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• 


**•• 


REDEMPTION, 


A 


BY 


ID.  Bprsr.AJxra:.,  U^E.  T>. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED  BY  JOHN  PENINGTON  &  SON,  127  SOUTH  SEVENTH  STREET. 
1859. 


. 

rft^       i 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1858, 

BY  JOHN  D.  BRYANT,  M.  D., 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  Eastern 
District  of  Pennsylvania. 


J.  B.  CHAKDLS».  FBIKTIB, 
906  Chestnut  Street,  PbiUd'a. 


PS 


r 


THE 


FIRST   BOOK 


or 


REDEMPTION. 


1135S3 


ARGUMENT. 


The  subject  of  Redemption  is  briefly  displayed.  It  is  then  asked, 
who  is  its  Author  ?  what  his  parentage  ?  who  is  his  Father  f  who  his 
Mother  ?  The  poem  proceeds  to  develope  these  points.  God  the  Father, 
seated  on  his  throne,  surrounded  by  all  the  heavenly  hosts,  turning 
towards  God  the  Son,  announces  that  the  time  has  arrived  for  perfect 
ing  the  redemption  of  man.  The  Son  accepts  the  task,  end  sends  the 
archangel  Abdiel,  to  Joachim,  to  inform  him  that  his  wife,  Anne,  is 
chosen  to  be  the  mother  of  Mary.  The  immaculate  conception.  The 
Devil,  seated  on  his  throne  as  prince  of  this  world,  discerns  an  unusual 
commotion  in  the  region  of  Palestine;  he  proceeds  to  examine  into  its 
cause;  he  sees  the  new  created  Frond;  recognizes  in  it  the  second  Eve, 
mother  of  the  second  Adam,  and  seeks  to  taint  it  in  its  incipiency,  but 
is  detected  by  the  archangel  Gabriel,  and  put  to  flight  without  having 
attained  his  object. 


IRE  ID  E  ]MI  IIPXI 0 1ST - 


BOOK  I. 

THE  MAN  divine,  of  Adam's  race  the  chief, 
Sing  heav'nly  Muse;  tell  how  round  Solyma 
He  walk'd,  how  knock'd  at  her  imperial  gates, 
And  o'er  her  ruin,  long  impending,  hung, 
With  tear  and  earnest  pleading  oft  besought, 
Fain  to  avert  destruction  from  her  head; 
Nor  her's  alone,  though  first  to  hear  his  voice, 
Through  cov'nant  grace  with  him,  whose  faithfulness 
Was  with  the  promise  bless'd,  but  all  who  feel 
Sin's  cumulative  load,  who  inly  groan, 
And  seek  deliv' ranee  from  her  dire  enthrall; 
The  first  to  hear,  yet  obdurate  reject, 
The  only  Hope  whence  safety  could  depend. 
Celestial  Spirit,  whose  enliv'ning  ray 
Wakes  dead  to  life,  illumines  what  is  dark, 
And  heavenly  order  out  of  chaos  brings, 
Breathe  on  the  chaos  of  my  mind,  illume, 
And  raise  me  to  full  measure  of  a  strain 
Best  suited  to  angelic  muse  in  height, 
But  yet  the  proper  theme  of  fallen  man. 
Brood  dove-like  o'er  the  spirit  of  my  song, 
That  in  soft  cadence,  I,  redeeming  love, 


REDEMPTION. 

May  sing;  or,  fired  with  blest  Isaias'  zeal,     . 

Clear  vindicate  the  providence  of  God 

To  man.     I  wait  thy  coining,  as  of  old 

Th'  assembled  Galileans  sat,  when  tongues 

Of  fire  descending,  kindled  every  heart, 

Inspired  each  voice,  and  God  Triune  reveal' d. 

Conduct  me  up  the  empyrean  vault, 

Whilst  unannihilate  I  gaze  on  thrones, 

And  hold  familiar  converse  with  the  Saints, 

Catch  the  rapt  measure  from  harmonious  tongues, 

And  thus  inspired,  their  anthem  glad  repeat; 

Their  anthem  mine,  Eedemption  won,  the  wrath 

Of  Heav'n  appeased,  sin  blotted  out,  no  more 

Imputed  to  the  erring  sons  of  men. 

Thence  to  th'  infernal  dens,  though  much  I  dread, 

Conduct  me,  penal  fires,  created  not 

For  man,  but  for  th'  arch-fiend,  who  sinning, 

Fell  from  the  blest  abodes,  and  third  part  drew 

Of  heav'ns  angelic  hosts,  sadly  entaii'd 

In  his  dire  fault  and  ruinous  defeat, 

The  end  and  righteous  punishment  of  sin. 

May  I,  without  reproof,  his  name  with  thine 

Invoke,  whose  harp  refresh'd  the  son  of  Cis, 

And  drove  the  demon  from  his  guilty  breast  ? 

Benignly  thee  I  call,  Isai's  fair  son, 

The  anointed  shepherd,  whose  glad  voice  made 

Vocal  Bethlehem's  fruitful  plains,  and  taught 

Its  choral  rills  to  sing  symphonious 

With  thy  sacred  lyre ;  or,  should  the  memory 

Please  thee  more,  did'st  go  before,  with  song  and  dance, 

With  harp  and  lute,  and  trumpet's  glad'ning  sound, 

The  cov'nant  ark,  resting  the  while  at  Geth. 


EEDEMPTION. 

So  go  thou  before  me,  who  celebrate 
In  verse,  Israel's  true  Ark,  the  Saviour, 
God-man,  Prince  of  peace.     Shepherd  of  Israel, 
Sing  sweetly  unto  me ;  attune  mine  ear, 
As  heretofore  thy  harp,  give  soul  to  sense, 
And  pleasing  harmony  to  theme  divine. 
But  thou,  bless' d  Spirit,  for  thou  saw'st  it  all, 
And  every  step  partook' st  of  that  grand  scheme, 
By  which  ungrateful  man  was  saved  from  doom, 
First  tell,  what  human  knowledge  far  transcends, 
Without  thee  ne'er  could  know,  what  did  in  heav'n 
Befall,  by  high  decree  ordain'd,  before 
The  God-man  came  to  earth,  our  ills  to  share. 
Recount  his  lineage,  whence  his  high  descent, 
What  Sire  begot,  what  Mother  calls  him  Son; 
Then  what  vocation  drew  him  from  his  throne, 
T'  attempt  the  rugged  way,  o'er  which  he  trod, 
From  Bethl'hem's  crib,  to  Calv'ry's  fated  hill. 

Before  th'  Almighty's  throne,  the  seraphim, 
And  all  the  heav'nly  powers,  assembling,  held, 
As  wont,  high  festal  day.     Incense  of  praise 
With  sweetest  perfume,  redolent  arose, 
More  grateful  to  th'  Omniscient  sense,  than  fat 
Of  bulls,  or  sheep  on  thousand  altars  slain; 
Nor  wanted  music's  melody,  nor  song, 
Such  as  harmonious  spirits,  jubilant, 
Before  the  Majesty  of  Heav'n,  entone. 
Silence  ensued  throughout  th'  empyreal  vault; 
When,  smiling,  the  great  Father  to  the  Son 
Thus  spake  :  "  Only  begotten  Son,  this  day 
The  long  expected  year  begins.     Immersed 
In  guilt,  and  alienate  in  wrath,  frail  man 


REDEMPTION. 

But  wanders  farther  from  the  right;  his  fault, 
Not  mine,  who  made  him  free,  and  strong  to  stand; 
And  gave  him  helps,  when  fallen,  to  retrace 
His  devious  way,  prophets  and  priests,  altar 
And  sacred  rites,  to  guide  his  erring  thoughts, 
And  keep  them  fix'd  firm  to  my  just  commands. 
Of  old  it  was  ordain'd,  if  one  were  found 
To  stand  man's  stead,  his  sumless  debt  assume, 
He  should,  thus  ransom'd,  reconcilement  find. 
Justice  no  longer  waits  inexpiate, 
Holocausts  please  no  more,  an  infinite 
Offense,  an  equal  sacrifice  demands, 
Which  paid,  in  justice  I  can  justify 
The  fallen  race,  and  bid  the  sinner  live." 

To  whom  the  Sou  with  mildness  thus:  "Father 
Beloved,  thy  will  be  done ;  thy  will  is  mine. 
Ere  morning  stars  together  sang,  or  erst 
The  sons  of  God  rejoiced,  this  thy  decree 
Went  forth— that  I  should  do  thy  will,  O  God. 
A  body,  so  'tis  writ,  thou  'It  fit  for  me. 
But,  all  have  gone  astray;  none  doeth  good: 
How  shall  the  Godhead  dwell  with  tainted  flesh  ? 
Infinite  sanctity,  how  can  commix, 
Or  stain  its  purity  with  body'  of  sin? 
Sin  it  abhors,  and  ent'reth  not  th'  unclean." 

This,  said  he,  knowing  well  the  Father's  mind. 
From  all  eternity  co-equal,  he, 
And  co-existent  with  the  Father,  stood; 
The  Son  all-knowing,  as  th'  omniscient  Sire. 
He  ask'd  not  for  himself,  but  those  elect, 
Myriads  of  spirits  bless'd — archangels, 
Dominions,  seraphs,  potentates  and  powers, 


REDEMPTION. 

Who,  unimpeach'd,  kept  firm  their  first  estate, 
And  now,  expectant,  waited  near  the  throne, 
To  learn  the  high  behests  of  God  to  man. 
Beneficent,  the  Father  thus  replied: 
"  Effulgence  of  my  glory,  increate, 
Ever  beloved  Son,  well  pleased  am  I 
In  thee.     Justice  and  truth  adorn  thy  words; 
Infinite  sanctity  cannot  commix 
With  sinful  flesh;  and  yet,  since  man  hath  sinn'd, 
'Tis  man  must  die,  man  born  of  Adam's  race; 
'Tis  he  alone  can  suffer  for  the  fault; 
So  the  decree  went  forth,  so  must  abide. 
But  finite  sacrifice,  for  infinite 
Transgression,  cannot  compensate,  nor  mend 
The  broken  law,  my  justice  not  appease. 
This  mystery  is  for  thee,  0  Son,  to  solve, 
And  render  manifest  to  all  the  sons 
Of  light,  lest  misjudging,  inconsistence 
They  should  seem  to  find,  in  whom  consistence 
Innate  dwells.     All  power  is  given  to  thee ; 
To  thee,  by  whom  creation  e'er  subsists ; 
To  make  and  unmake  equally  is  thine. 
As  at  thy  word,  from  slime,  man  perfect  came, 
And  Eve,  his  consort,  frail  embodiment 
Of  woe,  sprang  perfect  from  his  fruitful  side ; 
So  pure  from  impure,  clean  from  unclean  seed, 
Is  thine  to  constitute,  and  second  Eve 
More  worthy  prove,  true  mother  of  mankind. 
Son,  man's  redemption  rests  with  thee;  the  work 
Is  all  thine  own,  to  plan,  to  execute, 
And  all  the  glory  thine;  the  sacrifice 
Sufficient,  I  accept;  justice  intact, 


i* 


10  REDEMPTION. 

And  peace,  embrace  through  thee;  mercy  and  truth 
Ineffable,  uniting,  crown  the  whole." 

Admiring,  heaven's  glad  choirs  heard;  and  hearing, 
Celestial  joy  enkindled  every  heart, 
Beam'd  redolent  in  each  cherubic  face, 
Inflamed  their  love,  and  fill'd  with  infinite 
Delight.     Prostrate  on  heav'n's  crystal  plains 
They  bow;  bow,  and  adore  the  Omnipotent  enthroned; 
Their  golden  crowns  they  cast  before  his  feet, 
Thrice  holy  him  proclaim,  first,  last,  and  chief, 
The  God  Triune,  who  was,  and  is,  and  is 
To  come;  worthy  all  glory,  honor,  power, 
Majesty  and  dominion,  to  receive; 
In  whom  all  things  subsist,  on  whom  depend, 
Eternal  source  of  blessedness  and  joy. 
Prostrate,  him  thus  adored  the  heav'nly  choirs, 
Then  ambient  the  throne,  far  as  angelic 
Vision  beams,  a  thousand  times  ten  thousand 
Saints,  thronging  innumerable,  arise. 
Their  harps  immortal,  joyously  they  strike, 
Harps  ever  tuned  to  minstrelsy  of  sounds 
Concordant,  sweet,  and  thus  they  loudly  hymn'd  : 
"  Jehovah,  Father,  Sov'reign  Lord,  thee,  we 
Extol,  supremely  bless'd,  thee  praise  and  sing, 
Just  in  thy  ways,  and  merciful  as  just; 
Justice  and  mercy,  shining  attributes, 
Eternal  as  thyself,  over  thy  works 
Hover,  and  rest  on  all  who  fear  thy  name, 
Who  fear  and  love;  fear  to  offend,  and  love 
To  obey  and  serve;  obedience  easy, 
Service  light,  as  they  well  know,  who,  springing 
From  thine  all  creative  pow'r,  live  but  in  thee; 


REDEMPTION. 


11 


Live,  move,  as  from  the  first  thou  bad'st  them  live 
And  move,  when  out  of  nothing,  at  thy  word, 
Perfect  they  rose  t'  enjoy  the  bliss  of  heav'n. 
Sweet  e'en  thy  justice,  when  evoked  to  bless, 
But  terrible,  when  fierce  with  vengeance  ariu'd; 
That,  they  have  proved,  who  ever  firmly  stood, 
The  rebel  angels  not  less  this,  who  felt 
The  direful  force  of  thy  all  conqu'ring  arm 
Fall  wrathfully  upon  their  guilty  heads. 
Her  deep  foundations  th'  einpyr&m  shook 
Through  all  her  wide  circumference,  when,  rising, 
Thou  didst  ride  upon  the  Cherubim,  and  swift 
On  wings  of  mighty  winds  didst  fly;  darkness 
Beneath  thy  feet,  thick  darkness  cloth'd  thee  round, 
Whilst  thundering  thy  flaming  chariot  roll'd 
Full  on  the  prostrate  foe,  and  lightnings  fierce 
Of  burning  wrath  transfix'd  them,  as  they  fell 
Headlong  from  the  high  battlements  of  heav'n, 
Thus  happ'ly  purged  from  sin's  first  sad  embroil. 
But  man,  repentant,  mercy  finds  and  grace, 
Who  sinn'd  not  of  himself,  but  thereto  drawn 
By  fraud  of  the  arch-fiend;  mercy,  if  he 
For  mercy  pleads,  forsakes  his  devious  ways, 
Conforms  to  right  his  will  perverse,  and  strives 
Laborious  by  good  works  to  demonstrate 
His  faith;  nor  by  good  works  alone,  but  rules 
The  inward  motions  of  the  heart,  controls 
Its  wayward  thoughts,  impure  desires,  and  lives 
Perfect  the  hidden  life  of  thy  new  law. 
These  shall  be  saved,  and  rais'd  to  heav'nly  joys." 

Such  was  the  theme  of  their  glad  song,  the  works 
And  ways  of  God,  mercy  and  truth  to  man ; 


12  REDEMPTION. 

The  meaning,  not  their  blissful  words,  I  tell, 
For  how  shall  finite  infinite  portray, 
Or  e'er  their  joys  ineffable  conceive? 
The  Father  heard  well  pleas' d,  pleas'd,  heard  the  Son, 
Pleased,  the  Paraclete,  whose  inspiration 
Fills  heav'nly  souls  with  harmony  divine, 
At  once  the  source  and  end  of  sacred  muse. 
Th'  ethereal  vault  re-echoed  their  glad  song, 
Gladlier  the  heavens  grew,  ambrosial  odors 
Wide  dispensing  round,  whilst  flaming  ardors, 
Virtues,  fill'd  with  bliss,  shouted  loud  acclaim. 
Not  that  so  loud,  nor  so  replete  with  joy, 
Which  hail'd  the  conqu'ring  Godson,  back  return'd 
From  rout  of  rebel  angels,  dire  o'erthrown ; 
Nor  that,  greeting  the  great  Creator's  works, 
When,  on  creation's  morn,  the  vast  abysm 
Resplendent  shone  with  hosts  of  new  made  worlds. 
Short  interval,  with  sacred  mirth  fill'd  up, 
And  sweet  accentual  song,  now  ended, 
Beaming  with  smiles  the  great  Redeemer  spake : 
"  Blest  sons,  joy  mutual  inspires  your  breasts 
And  mine;  mankind,  mercy  and  grace,  who  seeks, 
Shall  find;  despairing,  he  long  waits  the  gift; 
Best  so,  lest  it  too  easily  conferr'd, 
Despising  he  reject.     Some  will  reject, 
And  die,  and  thus  salvation  proffer'd  them, 
Them  not  avail.     But  now  the  day  begins; 
The  new  creation  dawns ;  the  promised  Seed, 
Ere  long  shall  crush  the  wily  serpent's  head. 
Intact  the  second  Eve  shall  be,  and  free 
From  every  stain  of  body,  soul,  and  mind. 
Beneath  her  sacred  foot  the  serpent  dies, 


REDEMPTION. 


13 


And  sinful  Eve  a  perfect  counterpart, 

Replete  with  grace,  immaculate,  shall  find. 

Abdiel,  faithful  alike  'midst  faithful 

Or  perverse,  new  proof  of  faithfulness  'tis 

Thine  to  give,  none  doubting,  but  task  so  high, 

Behooves  the  care  of  whom  his  faithfulness 

Hath  nobly  proved;  trustworthiness  appraise 

Not  mean.     Thou  know'st  my  servant  Joachim, 

The  Nazarene,  a  perfect  man,  who  walks, 

He  and  his  loyal  spouse,  in  all  the  ways 

Of  God's  commands,  upright  and  pure.     Him,  sad, 

In  pray'r  devoutly  contrite,  now  behold. 

Go  thou,  and  with  him  talk,  as  friend  with  friend, 

Familiar;  tell  him  that  his  pray'r  is  heard, 

That  what  he  asks  is  granted;  more  than  asks 

Is  granted,  and  long  since  decreed  to  .vorth 

Approved  in  heav'n;  dimly  reveal  tb-   plan 

Of  grace  celestial,  now  vouchsafed  to  man; 

And  further,  what  concerns  him  well  to  know, 

Wisely  disclose;  the  rest,  discreet  withhold. 

Deem  not  this  service  light,  nor  unopposed; 

Th'  accursed  spirit  every  toil  will  try, 

Each  avenue  attempt,  with  hope  to  mar 

The  fairest  issue  of  Almighty  power; 

Will  try,  but  fail,  addoom'd  to  greater  wrath. 

With  this  thy  mission  ends,  at  eve  return; 

To  Gabriel  leave  the  rest,  with  legions  arm'd, 

Who  now  encamps  around  the  chosen  seed, 

Appointed  guardian  of  this  new  made  germ." 

Thus  ended,  all  the  heav'nly  choirs  dispersed; 
Each  to  his  sev'ral  post  instant  repair'd, 
Sweetly  submissive,  yet  desirous  each 


14  REDEMPTION. 

T*  have  been  the  chosen  messenger  of  grace; 
Sole  emulation  of  angelic  minds, 
T'  excel  in  offices  of  love,  and  strive, 
Who,  ready,  most  shall  serve,  who  best  obey, 
With  pinions  aerose  eager  to  fly, 
And  execute  the  high  behests  of  heav'n. 
Nor  waited  Abdiel;  but,  swift  as  thought, 
On  azure  wings  uplifted,  tinted  o'er 
With  amethystine  hues,  dedalian  shades 
Burnish'd  with  gold,  he  urged  his  liquid  way. 
Cherubic  hosts  thronging  the  battlements 
And  crystal  towers  of  heav'n,  admiring,  gaze 
As  he  onward  sped.     Another  sun,  he 
Seem'd,  suspended  in  cerulean  depths,  or, 
Aery-light  swift  shot  athwart  the  sky; 
Long  way  I  ween,  through  upper,  nether,  cross 
Mid-air;  farther  than  e'er  astronomer, 
On  some  proud  eminence,  hath  scann'd,  aided 
By  optic  tube,  ether's  expansive  depths; 
Adown  the  milky  way,  not  dallying, 
He  sped,  at  Capricorn  th'  ecliptic  cut, 
Nor  ceased,  until  on  Thabor's  fertile  top, 
Succinct  he  stood.     No  errant  course,  nor  doubt, 
Distracts  his  flight,  divergent:  way  well  known, 
And  travell'd  oft  by  couriers  of  heav'n. 
'Twas  this  the  patriarch  saw,  when  in  the  field 
Of  Luz,  the  radiant  path  wide  open  stood, 
Throng'd  to  and  fro  with  heav'nly  habitants; 
Through  this  th'  archangel  Raphael  after  pass'd, 
To  bless  the  house  of  Tobit,  sore  oppress'd, 
And  guide  his  son  to  Gabclus,  dwelling 
At  Rages,  in  mount  of  Ecbatana, 


REDEMPTION. 


15 


Where  he  wooed  the  seven-times  wedded  maid. 

A  path  full  oft  retraced  by  spirits  just ; 

Abel  the  first,  and  Henoch  subsequent, 

Both  happ'ly  o'er  it  pass'd  and  walk'd  with  God. 

Elias  too,  prophet  of  God,  caught  up 

In  chariot  of  fire,  swept  this  starry  road. 

But  later  more  illustrious  it  shone, 

When  on  Thabor's  heights,  the  great  Redeemer 

Stood  transfigured,  his  raiment  white  as  snow, 

His  face  more  glorious  than  the  beamy  sun, 

Oped  heaven's  golden  gates,  and  there  unveil'd 

The  hidden  glories  of  the  blest  abodes. 

Upon  that  sacred  mount  Abdiel  now  stands, 

A  moment  stands,  to  change  his  outward  form. 

Ere  he  descends  the  vale,  too  radiant 

Else,  for  mortal  eye  to  scan  un dazzled. 

A  tunic  deck'd  his  graceful  limbs,  his  waist, 

An  azure  cincture  spann'd,  a  fillet  bound 

His  hair,  sandals  his  feet  adorn'd,  beauty 

Immortal  beamed  in  his  face,  and  so, 

Of  manly  port,  mature  of  thought,  pass'd  on. 

The  fervid  sun  had  measured  half  the  day, 
And  in  its  zenith  o'er  Esdrela  stood, 
A  fertile  valley  half,  half  wilderness, 
In  Issachar,  brow'd  by  Mount  Carmel's  range 
And  Thabor,  thence  outspread  to  Baisan,  which, 
Scythopolis  is  call'd;  a  place,  desert 
And  wild,  where  she  of  Endor  had  her  seat 
Caliginous,  and  spirits  vile  consort; 
Here  cank'ring  care  and  melancholy  reign, 
Here,  on  Gelboe,  Israel's  king,  possess'd, 
Fell  on  his  sword,  self-slain  and  reprobate; 


16  REDEMPTION. 

Through  it  the  torrent  Cisson  dcdalous, 

Rolls  its  foul  waters  to  the  neighb'ring  sea — 

A  various  plain,  fertile  and  arid,  dank 

And  dry,  with  beetling  crags  darkly  o'erhung. 

Within  this  dreary  waste  Joachim  pass'd 

His  mournful  days,  bemoaning  his  sad  lot, 

His  fruitless  loins;  with  winds  mingling  his  sighs, 

And  with  the  torrent  floods  of  tears.     "  Ah  me !" 

He  cried ;  "  why  was  I  e'er  conceived  and  born  ?" 

The  scorn  of  men,  deprived  the  smiles  of  Heav'n  ; 

Outcast  from  Israel,  and  from  the  hope 

Of  Israel's  Consolation,  soon  to  be. 

What  hath  befall'n  thy  promise,  Lord,  that  none 

Among  thy  chosen  seed,  childlessness  shall  know? 

Shall  Nazareth  as  Jericho  become, 

And  no  Eliseus  arise  with  power 

To  heal  the  fount  of  barrenness  and  death? 

Forbid  it  Thou,  who  barren  mak'st  rejoice, 

With  many  children  joyfully  dispensed. 

Or,  'gainst  me  only  is  thy  wrath  outpour'd? 

Me  and  thy  handmaid,  who,  nor  day  nor  night, 

Cease  to  extol  thy  name,  and  frequent  heap 

Thine  altars  with  the  choicest  of  the  flock  ?" 

So  breath'd  he  loud  his  plaint,  so  urged  his  pray'r, 
With  sighs  and  tears,  low  bending  o'er  the  brook, 
Nor  heard  the  sound  of  footsteps  drawing  near. 

"Why  weep'st  thou,  Joachim?"  the  angel  ask'd; 
"  Why  art  thou  sad?    All  nature  teems  with  joy; 
The  valleys  smile,  with  vernal  honors  deck'd, 
The  fruitful  hills  rejoice,  peace  fills  the  earth, 
And  universal  expectation  hails 
Messias'  reign.     Nor  hcar'st  thou  not  the  voice, 


REDEMPTION.  17 

O'er  Israel's  plains  resound — Prepare  the  way; 
Let  deserts  as  the  rose  and  highways  bloom, 
Let  mountains  sing,  and  forests  join  their  voice, 
To  hail  Messias,  Israel's  Saviour,  near? 
It  ill  beseems  that  grief  should  rack  the  breast, 
Tears  dim  the  eye,  of  Israel's  chosen  seed, 
Who  chiefest  should  rejoice,  for  whom  he  cotnes, 
-And  to  whom  chief  the  promises  were  giv'n." 

Thus  he  smiling,  as  angels  oft  are  wont 
To  srnile  at  pious  griefs,  knowing  the  while, 
Who  most  are  loved,  are  most  severely  tried, 
Then  with  fruition  crown'd  of  heav'nly  joys. 
To  whom,  dolorous,  Joachim  replied : 

"Who  art  thou,  fair  young  man,  that  smil'st  at  grief, 
Unfelt  perhaps,  and  therefore  hardly  known  ? 
Thy  words  bespeak  thee  not  a  stranger  here, 
Nor  alien  to  the  Hope  of  Israel's  house." 

"  No  stranger  truly,"  Abdiel  return'd, 
"  Though  I,  this  day,  long  way  have  come,  perchance 
To  comfort  thee,  unless  thy  heart  forestall 
My  kind  intent,  and  stubbornly  refuse, 
What  I  would  fain  bestow.     But  rise,  and  leave 
This  wild,  which  brooks  nor  comfort  nor  repose. 
Know'st  thou  not,  nor  car'st,  thy  faithful  spouse  seeks 
Thee  sorrowing,  and  mourns  thy  long  delay? 

Thus  he,  with  sweetest  accent,  soon  disposed 
His  list'niug  ear,  persuasive  touch'd  his  heart, 
And  gently  led  the  way,  whilst  Joachim, 
Unconsciously  impell'd,  his  griefs  disclosed. 

"  Truth  manifests  thy  kindly  words,  young  man. 
Ill  it  beseems  the  chosen  seed  to  mourn, 
On  th'  eve  of  Israel's  great  Deliv'rer's  birth. 


18  REDEMPTION. 

And  yet,  perchance,  it  is  not  known  to  thee, 

What  causes  Israel's  joy,  to  me  is  grief. 

Two  score  and  ten  measure  the  narrow  span 

Of  years  to  my  brief  life  and  full  of  woe. 

No  scion  of  our  race  smiles  on  my  house ; 

None  calls  me  sire.     Anne,  my  tender  spouse, 

Has  ceased  to  be  as  other  women  are ; 

And  now  no  hope  remains,  but,  barren  as 

We  both  have  lived,  so,  barren,  we  shall  die. 

My  substance  yearly  I  divide ;  one  part 

Devote  t'  our  frugal  wants,  one  to  the  poor, 

The  third  to  God.     This  Issachar  despised, 

And  stern  reproved — Why  dost  thou,  childless  one, 

Heav'n  accurs'd,  presume  to  blend  thine  off'rings 

With  the  just?     Know'st  thou  not  'tis  writ — Cursed 

Is  every  one  that  beareth  not  ?     Depart, 

Thou  sinful  man.     Thus  openly  reproach'd, 

The  scorn  of  all  our  tribe,  esteem'd  more  vile 

Than  the  unclean,  a  leper,  whose  foul  spots, 

Not  Jordan's  floods  can  heal,  I  fled  the  haunts 

Of  men,  and  sought  with  savage  beasts  to  die. 

From  David's  royal  race  Messias  comes; 

Of  David's  line  by  Nathan,  I  was  born, 

But  born  with  fruitless  loins,  unworthy  deem'd, 

Israel's  hope  and  long  sought  joy  to  share." 

Complacently  the  angel  lent  his  ear, 
Though  conusant  of  all  he  heard  relate; 
Then,  after  decent  pause,  thus  courteously, 
With  this  epitropy  began  :  "  Thy  aim 
Is  just,  Joachim,  and  approved ;  who  would 
Not  emulate  relation  with  the  Lord  ? 
The  highest  archangels  near  the  throne,  might  well, 


REDEMPTION.  19 

Were  't  so  designed,  with  sweet  contention  join, 

Who  worthiest  should  prove  of  such  renown. 

And  yet,  mysterious  union  !  create, 

With  Increate  conjoin'd  !     Who  can  conceive, 

Or  without  fear,  altivolant  aspire 

To  incarnate  a  God?     To  seraphs  'tis 

Denied;  on  man  conferr'd;  therefore  I  blame 

Thee  not  high  aspiration,  and  approve. 

But  wilt  thou  then  set  to  th'  Almighty  bounds  ? 

To  Him  say — Thus  shalt  do,  and  so  far  go  ? 

If  barrenness  he  hath  to  thee  adjudged, 

Know  that  'tis  best;  perchance  to  punish  thy 

Inordinate  desire;  or,  it  may  be, 

To  try  thy  faith,  thy  fealty,  thy  love. 

Be  humbly  wise,  submit  to  Heav'n's  decrees; 

Seek  but  his  will,  confiding  leave  the  rest. 

If  grief  for  this,  were  just  in  thee,  why  not 

In  all  of  David's  line,  innumerous, 

And  render  that  impossible,  which  God 

Designs  for  one !     All  cannot  equal  share, 

And  thy  demur  no  favor  finds  with  Heav'n." 

To  whom,  Joachim  :  "  Wise  beyond  thy  years, 
Thy  words  conviction  lead.     None  shall  be  just 
'Fore  God;  abased  in  dust,  man  can  but  cry 
Unclean.     Unclean  am  I,  of  righteousness 
Devoid;  unworthy  least  of  Heaven's  smiles; 
Far  more  to  share  in  Israel's  rising  hope. 
Though  who  desires  not?     'Tis  not  this  alone 
I  mourn.     Childless,  my  votive  off 'rings  all 
Are  scorn' d ;  reproachfully  abash' d,  I  look 
Not  on  the  face  of  man ;  my  virtuous  spouse, 
Fairest  and  best  of  Heaven's  gifts,  they  fain 


20  REDEMPTION. 

Would  have  me  put  away ;  death  premature, 
Death  easier  far,  death  far  less  hard  to  bear." 

So  he,  with  gush  of  grief  and  tears  renew'd ; 
And  thus  the  angel  tenderly  replied  : 

"The  ways  of  God  are  not  as  ways  of  men. 
They  choose  the  proud,  the  great;  but  He,  the  poor; 
The  lowly,  contrite  heals,  the  broken  binds, 
The  needy  lifts,  and  throned  princes  midst 
His  people  makes;  and,  as  the  mighty  man, 
Whose  quiver  gleams,  replete  with  barbed  darts, 
He  bids  the  barren  to  rejoice,  and  laughs 
To  scorn  the  vain  devices  of  th'  unjust. 
What  they  with  all  their  pow'rs  cannot  effect, 
Is  possible,  and  easy  wrought  with  Him. 
Thou  oft  hast  heard  of  Sarai,  barren,  who, 
Advanc'd  in  years,  incredulous  of  heart, 
Believed  not  the  angel's  words,  and  yet 
Conceiv'd,  and  in  old  age  brought  forth  a  son, 
Th'  elected  father  of  a  numerous  race. 
Nor  only  she — Rachel,  the  first  beloved 
Of  Israel,  patient  endured  reproach, 
And  late  begat  a  son,  favor'd  of  Heav'n, 
Saviour  of  peoples,  type  of  Him  to  come ; 
So  Manue's  spouse,  after  long  delay, 
The  valiant  Sampson  bore;  and  Samuel,  was 
He  not  the  child  of  long  time  fruitless  pray'rs? 
Neither  should'st  thou,  Joachim,  less  despair, 
But  bide  the  will  of  God ;  wish  as  He  wills, 
So  best  for  thee  ;  rejoice  at  others'  good ; 
Content,  seek  not  too  earnestly  thine  own ; 
Take  thankfully  what  Heav'n  bestows,  the  rest, 
Submissive,  leave  to  His  supernal  power." 


REDEMPTION.  21 

So  on  they  walk'd,  in  sweet  communion  join'd  ; 
His  sorrows  this,  the  consolation  that, 
Advanced.     Meanwhile,  Joachim  felt  his  heart 
With  heat  unwonted  burn ;  celestial  fire 
The  angel  kindled  there,  fann'd  the  soft  flame, 
And  bid  the  embers  plow.     "  What  sort  of  man 
Is  this,"  he  inwardly  inquired,  "  who,  fraught 
With  honied  words,  my  drooping  spirits  cheers  ? 
Or  man  ?  or  angel  ?  likeliest  seems  the  last, 
And  some  have  angels  harbor' d  unawares. 
His  manly  port,  his  stately  mien,  and  garb, 
Of  Israel  him  bespeak ;  much  me'  I  fear, 
And  dread,  yet  feel  my  heart  with  love  inflamed, 
Such  comfort  he  inspires."     The  Angel  knew 
His  thoughts,  but  silent  hasten'd  on,  nor  turn'd 
To  right  or  left,  attent  his  mission  high 
Swift  to  fulfill.     The  desert  soon  o'erpass'd, 
A  fertile  path  his  feet  directs,  with  flow'rs 
Thick  strown ;  carnation,  daisy,  lily,  rose, 
With  od'rous  shrub,  fragrant  beneath  his  step, 
(And  by  his  gentle  crushing  sweeter  grown,) 
Their  dews  distil ;  more  fragrant  than  the  dews 
Which  soft  on  Hermon's  fruitful  hill  descend, 
Sweeter  than  Sharon's  plain,  or  Araby, 
Or  perfumed  zephyrs  of  the  spicy  isles. 

The  sun  hesperian  now  declined  the  day; 
When,  issuing  from  the  glen,  his  humble  cot, 
Joyful  the  saint  espied.     Anne,  just  then 
Eeturn'd  from  fruitless  search,  tearful,  within 
The  door  rested  awhile,  rack'd  with  suspense. 
Beside  her,  consciousless,  the  archangel 
Gabriel  stood,  whilst  armed  legions  camp'd 

2* 


22  REDEMPTION. 

Around  the  chosen  seed,  prime  guardians 

Of  that  precious  germ,  new  made  earth,  from  which 

The  new  created  Eve  perfect  should  rise, 

Long  dormant  kept,  waiting  the  time  decreed. 

So  camp  the  angels  of  the  Lord  around 

The  dwellings  of  the  just,  preserve  from  harm, 

Their  sorrows  soothe,  treasure  their  tears,  their  pray'rs, 

As  incense,  to  the  mercy  seat  convey. 

So  Ab'ram,  Lot,  and  valiant  Gedeon,  proved ; 

Them,  all  the  patriarchs  knew,  and  often 

In  sweet  converse  held ;  so,  at  Eliseus'  pray'r, 

In  Dothan,  all  the  mountain  gleam'd,  frequent 

And  full,  with  myriads  of  angelic  bands. 

And  so  the  patriarchs  of  the  newer  law, 

Peter  and  Paul,  and  John,  these  messengers, 

Oft  entertain'd ;  but  chief  the  Son  of  God, 

After  the  flight  of  Satan,  gracious  deign'd 

Their  heav'nly  ministrations  to  receive. 

Now  Joachim,  more  cheerfully  disposed, 

With  quicken'd  step  hasten'd  to  greet  his  spouse, 

And  in  her  ear  relate  the  joyful  hopes, 

Which  new  inspire  his  breast,  to  life  restored. 

Meanwhile  apart,  unseen  by  mortal  sense, 

Obeisance  reverent,  as  is  their  wont, 

Complaisantly  th'  archangels  interchanged, 

When,  Abdiel  made  as  he  would  farther  go. 

To  whom,  quick  turning,  Joachim  thus  said : 

"Leave  us  not  so,  young  man,  tarry  awhile; 
Long  journey  now  o'ergone,  sore  needs  repose ; 
Stay  and  partake  with  us  such  fare  as  we 
May  have,  if  thy  acceptance  worthy  deem." 

Seeming,  the  angel  acquiesced ;  he  turn'd, 


REDEMPTION.  23 

And  enter'd  their  abode.     More  he  delay' d 
Not;  but,  gently  join'd  their  hands.     "Joachim," 
He  said,  "  thy  prayer  is  heard,  a  daughter  thou 
Shalt  have,  who,  full  of  grace,  shall  firmly  stand, 
Where  Eve,  the  first  of  women  fail'd.     Mary, 
Her  name  shall  be,  exalted ;  for  her  name 
Shall  glorious  be  in  heav'n  and  all  the  earth, 
Chief,  'midst  ten  thousands,  loveliest  of  the  fair." 

Anne,  incredulous,  revolved  his  words ; 
But  Joachim  replied  :  "  Or  mockest  thou 
Thy  servant,  or  some  mystery  lies  hid 
Beneath  thy  words.     Deign  graciously  t'  explain ; 
Else  verify  thy  speech.     Give  me  a  sign." 

"  More  words  here  need  not;"  Abdiel  return'd; 
Enough  for  thee  to  know,  if  thou  art  wise. 
The  sign  thou  askest  I  may  give ;  behold." 

He  spake,  and  instant  vanish'd  from  their  sight. 
Celestial  odors  wide  diffused  the  place, 

Ambrosial  fragrance,  sweetest  of  perfumes, 

The  hyacinthine  atmosphere  of  heav'n  ; 

Through  which  the  seraph  on  ethereal  wing, 

Swift  took  his  heav'nward  way.     With  sacred  awe 

Inspired,  they  own  the  angel  of  the  Lord ; 

Prostrate  towards  him  bow,  and  humbly'  adore 

The  unseen  Power,  who  him  had  gracious  sent ; 

Adore,  and  all  his  heav'nly  words  believe. 

Hail !  thou  auspicious  night,  on  which  is  hung 

Th'  eternal  destiny  of  erring  man  ; 

May  I  record  thy  august  rites  unblamed  ? 

Sacred  the  theme  I  sing;  the  marriage  bed, 

Pure,  undefiled.     Away,  away,  ye  prudes ; 

Away  impure,  and  ye  profane;  no  place 


•* 

24  REDEMPTION. 

Is  here  for  you,  where  only  seraphs  tread, 

Where  saints  alone  repair.     His  loyal  spouse, 

Th'  illustrious  parent  of  th'  unsullied  Queen, 

Up  to  his  royal  couch,  Joachim  leads ; 

As  when,  in  Eden's  bloom,  Adam  first  led 

The  virgin  Eve  within  their  nuptial  bower, 

Fresh  from  the  hands  of  God,  sinless  and  pure. 

No  carnal  thought,  no  lustful  dalliance, 

Were  there  to  stain  the  purity,  intact, 

Of  whom  essential  Purity  ordain'd 

To  be  co-operators  in  his  work. 

Th'  archangel  closer  drew  his  armed  guards, 

Cohorts  of  cherubim,  innumerous, 

Whose  two-edged  swords  in  fiery  circles  blazed, 

Whilst  all  around,  horrent  with  spears  thick  strown, 

The  heav'nly  embassage  appear'd,  intent 

To  ward,  or  harm  or  thought  of  harm,  from  off 

The  chosen  pair ;  or  sly  approach  forefend 

Of  spirits  malign,  roaming  th'  earth  around, 

Eager  for  prey.     Th'  Almighty's  arm  above, 

Beneath,  encircled  them  ;  for  Deity 

A  moment  left  His  throne  on  high,  to  breathe 

A  spotless  soul  within  the  spotless  form 

Of  this  the  new  created  Eve,  exempt 

From  stain,  from  sin  original  secured, 

Through  His  redeeming  blood,  shed  from  before 

The  deep  foundations  of  the  world  were  laid, 

And  to  her  free  applied ;  more  rich  in  grace 

Than  he,  who,  Israel's  woes  lamenting,  sang ; 

Or  he,  who,  the  prophetic  choirs  among 

Stands  chief,  forerunner  of  the  Lord.     Fulgent 

In  graces  both,  but  less  than  she,  who  sin 


REDEMPTION.  25 

Ne'er  knew;  more  perfect  than  the  first  made  Eve, 
Brighter  than  seraphim,  or  aught  that  stands 
Before  the  heav'nly  throne,  as  well  becomes 
Who  the  Redeemer  worthy  was  to  bear. 
So  was  she  made  inviolate,  for  now 
Nature  no  longer  stays,  no  more  forestalls 
The  child  of  grace,  expected  long,  at  length 
Produced.     Transcendent,  happy  pair !  more  bless'd 
Than  our  first  sire.     0  seed  immaculate  ! 
0  sacred  womb  !  with  sacred  increment 
Enlarged,  how  higher  than  the  heav'ns  your  name 
Is  raised ;  how  wider  than  the  earth  is  spread 
Your  fame.     Nor  tongue  can  tell,  nor  ready  pen 
Portray,  the  measure  of  your  great  renown. 

Th'  arch-enemy  of  man  and  prince  of  air, 
High  on  his  hyperborean  throne  sat; 
By  sufferance,  superior  erect, 

Where  sulph'rous  fires  dread  thunderbolts  concoct, 
Which,  cloth'd  with  vapors  from  th'  ocean  suck'd, 
O'er  land  and  sea  fly,  sweeping  down  amain, 
And  hurl  their  wrathful  terrors  where  they  list. 
Thus  high  he  built,  ethereal,  from  what  time 
This  nether  sphere  'neath  his  dominion  fell ; 
A  gorgeous  throne,  in  hues  chatoyant  dipp'd, 
Of  gold,  green,  blue,  purple  and  red ;  adorn'd 
With  glitt'ring  columns,  pyramids  and  spires, 
'Midst  circling  domes  of  baleful  fires  imbow'd ; 
The  scene  of  fierce  contentions,  horrid  sounds, 
Armies  on  armies  rushing  oft,  so  they 
Of  Lapland  tell,  with  fiery  chariots  arm'd, 
Tormenting  all  the  air;  whilst  men  amazed, 
Fall  prostrate  on  the  ground  and  deprecate 


26  REDEMPTION. 

The  god.     Him,  Odin,  Scandinavia  calls, 

And  worships  on  his  flecker'd  seat,  destined 

Ere  long  to  be  o'erthrown,  no  more  to  cheat 

Mankind  with  semblance  of  a  regal  pow'r. 

Satan  his  true  name,  and  the  same  that  fell 

Like  light'ning  from  the  heav'ns,  to  deepest  hell 

Consign'd.     From  thence  escaped,  awhile  unleash'd, 

He  now,  with  leer  malignant,  scans  the  earth, 

Intent  on  prey;  anon,  fierce  issuing  forth 

To  slay,  and  gorge  the  maw  insatiate, 

Of  his  incestuous  daughter  Sin,  and  Death, 

The  grimy  horror,  by  them  both  begot. 

Thus  watching,  he  beholds  disturbed  the  air; 

Gleams  of  celestial  light,  as  meteors,  shot 

The  heav'ns  and  earth  between,  whilst  to  and  fro, 

Angelic  messengers  still  hastive  pass'd. 

Meanwhile  the  undulating  air  convey'd 

T'  his  sense  the  sound  of  sweetest  minstrelsy : 

Swoet  to  bless'd  ears,  but  hateful  to  th'  accurs'd; 

Hateful  to  him,  and  roused  his  dormant  ire. 

"  Comrades,"  he  said,  "  something,  which  our  estate 
Behooves  us  well  to  know,  transpires.     Perhaps 
Some  inroad  on  our  empire  here,  hard  reach'd, 
Though  after,  easy  got,  with  simple  trick 
Play'd  on  the  woman  Eve:  got  easy,  though 
With  many'  a  hard  fought  field  and  hideous  wound 
Retain'd.     Be  't  so;  our  Punisher  his  worst 
Hath  tried;  at  least,  what  more  he  can,  he  may; 
For,  though  his  thunderbolts  o'erwhelmed  us 
In  the  skies,  ousting  us  of  birthright  there, 
With  this  his  power  ends;  as  for  the  rest, 
Do  what  he  lists,  he's  worsted.     Made  he  not 


REDEMPTION.  27 

This  world,  to  re-supply  the  vacant  seats 

Our  legions  held  above?    How  much  of  it 

Owns  his  allegiance?    'Tis  worth  your  laughter — 

A  little  strip  bord'ring  the  middle  sea ! 

And  his  possessions  there,  one  while,  reduced 

To  fifties  in  a  cave;  all  else  below 

Orbicular,  is  mine.     Nay,  once  to  sev'n 

Reduced;  save  whom,  enraged,  owning  defeat, 

He  swept  from  off  the  earth  the  entire  race, 

To  death  consign'd;   and  thus  secured  to  us 

Our  spoils,  and  filled,  not  his  empty  seats 

In  hear'n,  but  ours  in  hell,  whilst  we  at  ease, 

Expatiate  these  verdant  fields  and  plains, 

Fit  habitation  for  the  gods,  and  well 

Exchanged  for  sulph'rous  fires;  where  too  I  reign 

Earth's  emperor  supreme;  nay,  more,  earth's  god, 

Worshipp'd  with  sacred  rites,  with  sacrifice, 

Altars,  and  hecatombs,  temples  and  priests. 

What  can  he  more  receive?  What  more  can  have? 

This  my  revenge,  to  render  vain  his  plans, 

To  rival  his  renown,  undo  his  works, 

And  fierce  defiance  hurl  unto  his  face. 

But  now  it  seems,  some  new  emprise  assails; 

For  never,  since  the  cherubim  expell'd 

The  first  of  human  kind  from  Eden,  have 

Such  frequent  bands  from  upper,  visited 

This  nether  world.     Some  new  device,  I  doubt, 

Which  calls  for  new  display,  in  me,  of  skill 

To  try  what  I  single,  may  dare  'gainst  him 

Triple.     Whate'er  it  be,  this  shall  he  learn, 

That  hell  full  as  exhaustless  is,  in  guile 

To  meet,  as  Heav'n  in  pow'r  t'  assault  or  hold. 


28  REDEMPTION. 

What  it  may  be,  the  task  is  mine  t'  explore, 
And  be  assured,  a  full  account  I'll  give." 

This  premised,  up  the  gashful  horror  sprang, 
Like  a  tall  pyramid  of  fire,  belch'd  from 
The  entrails  of  Hawaiian  hills,  far  round 
Illumining  with  lurid  glare,  the  earth, 
Sea,  air  and  sky;  then,  as  a  comet,  shot 
The  arctic  zone,  the  temp'rate  next,  and  from   * 
The  zenith  dropp'd,  in  Esdrela  imbosk'd, 
So  falls  th'  aerolite,  a  blazing  brand 
Above,  below  unseen,  scarce  ever  found. 
The  monster  knew  his  way;  celestial  light 
Mantled  the  place.     Another  Eden  't  seem'd, 
Fill'd  with  delights.     Th'  archangel  Gabriel 
He  saw,  with  all  his  flaming  hosts,  encamp' d 
Around  in  panoply  of  war;  and  saw — 
0,  hateful  sight ! — the  new  created  Eve, 
That  primal  Frond  from  whence  was  fresh  derived 
The  Rod  divine,  destined  to  crush  his  head. 

"  This,  then,  is  that  upstart,"  he  mused,  "promised 
So  long,  now  come  to  conquer  me.     How,  is 
Not  said;  like  to  the  rest,  I  trow,  tickled 
With  straws,  or  with  some  bauble  bought.     Vain  ev'r, 
Oft  most,  when  best.     And  thinks  my  enemy 
Thus  to  repair  his  loss?    With  feeble  flesh, 
Anew  to  tempt  my  sport,  not  prowess,  who 
Stood  in  bold  array,  unconquer'd,  before 
The  mightiest  he  could  send  ?    He  but  derides 
The  work  of  his  own  hands,  and  moves  our  mirth; 
Albeit  our  spite  not  less  revengeful  burns. 
But  I  at  once  essay  this  new  device, 
And  doubt  not,  as  of  all  the  rest,  to  taint." 


REDEMPTION. 


29 


So  mused  th'  arch-fiend,  and  straightway  cast  about, 
With  what  disguise  to  cloak  his  bad  intent; 
Nor  long  stood  at  default,  perite  in  wiles. 
The  sun  still  linger'd  in  the  ev'ning  sky, 
And  with  refulgent  light  bathed  Naz'reth's  cot. 
Into  his  cadent  beams,  a  mimic  ray, 
Fraudful  the  devil  leap'd,  expert,  and  sheer 
Elanced  within  the  consecrated  fold. 
Tartarean  fumes  evolved,  the  fiend  betray' d, 
Nor  respite  gave  him  to  perfect  his  fraud. 
That  moment  sank  the  sun  beneath  the  hills, 
And  the  deceit,  a  fragmentary  ray, 
Dissever' d  stood;  which,  touch'd  by  Gabriel's  sword, 
Pure  alkahest,  was  straight  t'  his  hideous  shape 
Restored.     Ten  thousand  flaming  darts,  instant 
Transfix' d  him  where  he  stood.     With  rage  and  pain, 
Precipitate  he  fled,  nor  ceased,  until 
Within  the  Libyan  desert  he  lay  hid. 


THE  END  OP  THE  FIRST  BOOK. 


THE 


SECOND   BOOK 


REDEMPTION. 


ARGUMENT. 


Mary,  the  second  Eve,  is  born;  the  Devil,  mewing  her  matchless 
perfections,  meditates  a  repetition  of  his  former  attempt ;  but,  dread 
ing  to  re-encounter  the  angelic  guards,  he  descends  to  hell,  and  calls 
a  council  of  the  demons.  They  debate  what  course  is  best  to  be 
pursued.  Opposing  counsels  divide  them,  and  excite  a  furious  con 
test.  They  are  appeased  by  Satan,  who  exhorts  them  to  direct  their 
wrath  against  God,  and  his  creature,  Man.  It  is  finally  agreed  to 
re-invade  the  earth  in  force,  endeavor  to  seduce  the  second  Eve  to  sin, 
and  thereby  defeat,  perhaps,  through  her  unworthiness,  the  birth  of 
her  divine  Son.  Balaam,  a  lost  soul,  warns  them  of  defeat. 


BOOK  II. 

0  sacred  Heart  of  Jesus,  kindle  mine 
With  flames  of  love;  touch  these  cold  lips  with  fire, 
As  once  thou  touch'd'st  Isaias',  twofold  blest, 
That  I  may  worthy  sing  of  her,  whose  womb 
The  matrix  was,  in  which  thy  heart  was  made. 
In  vain  I  strive  to  soar  such  heav'nly  heights, 
The  mystery  of  incarnate  Wisdom 
To  portray,  unless,  benignant,  thou  wilt 
Deign  to  purify,  enlighten,  quick' n,  bless, 
And  elevate  to  compass  of  a  strain, 
That  else  transcends  the  utmost  scope  of  man. 
Borne  on  the  pinions  of  the  heav'nly  Dove, 
Beyond  Aonian  hills,  Parnassus'  height, 
Or  'bove  where  Hebron  led  th'  inspired  muse 
To  sing  the  glories  of  his  mystic  Spouse, 
I  cleave  th'  ethereal  sky,  o'erpass  the  stars, 
Excel  their  distances  and  speed,  transcend 
The  dominations,  princedoms,  dignities 
And  powers;  surpass  the  full-eyed  cherubim, 
And  through  the  ranks  of  seraphs  take  my  way; 
Nor,  if  created  aught  there  be  above, 
Cease  I  my  daring  flight,  until  I  fix 


3* 


34  REDEMPTION. 

My  ardent  vision  on  the  throne  of  God, 

And  there  my  hymn  of  praise  indite,  from  whence 

Begins  the  dignity  sublime,  the  name 

And  title,  Mother  of  God.     There  only 

May  I  pause,  there  only  essay  to  sing. 

In  Tisri,  when  the  holocaustal  rites, 
As  incense  to  the  throne  on  high,  arose, 
Mary,  the  virgin  Mother  of  the  Lord, 
Perfect  in  beauty,  rich  in  heav'nly  grace, 
Was  born.     How  all  thy  beauty  wanes,  fair  Eve, 
Before  this  peerless  one,  the  spotless  dove, 
Th'  unsullied  mirror  of  th'  Almighty's  form. 
And  who,  that  hath  creative  power  to  make 
Or  mold,  would  constitute  his  mother  less? 
If  none  be  found,  e'en  of  the  fallen  race, 
How  much  less  He,  whose  power  omnipotent, 
Performs  and  orders  as  he  lists;  who  made 
The  angels  perfect  at  a  word,  and  man 
Immaculate  from  clay;  who  sanctifies 
His  prophets  in  the  womb,  and  each  befits 
For  his  predestined  task;  how  much  less  He, 
Whose  infinite  purity,  commixtion 
With  th'  unclean,  forbids,  whose  sanctity  shrinks 
From  the  taint  of  sin,  and  with  the  sinful 
Doth  disdain  to  dwell,  the  chosen  vessel, 
Whence  was  derived  his  flesh,  would  not  refuse 
Perfection's  utmost  meed.     So  second  Eve 
Was  made,  whose  substance  gave  him  human  form, 
Whose  womb  begot,  whose  blood  flows  in  his  veins, 
Whose  paps  gave  suck;  who,  th'  almighty  Architect, 
Cradled  upon  her  knee,  clasp'd  to  her  breast 
Enrapt,  and  fondly  nurtured  in  her  arms. 


REDEMPTION.  35 

Hail !  long'd  for  joy;  hail !  sweetly  breathing  name, 
Divinely  gracious  and  refulgent  Queen, 
Pellucid  fountain  of  life-giving  milk, 
Mother,  and  frainer  of  a  newer  birth; 
Hail !  masterpiece  divine,  the  last  and  best 
Effusion  of  his  all-creating  skill; 
Thee  human  intellection  cannot  reach, 
Nor  thee  sufficiently  exalt.     On  earth, 
No  mortal  can  with  thee  compare;  in  heav'n, 
Than  angel  and  archangel  more  sublime; 
Brighter  than  seraphim,  more  glorious  far 
Than  the  cherubic  hosts,  who  stand  the  throne 
Before;  above  them  all,  Mother  of  God, 
Art  thou  extoll'd.     In  thee  the  mystic  types 
Of  the  old  law,  their  full  completion  find — 
That  paradise,  which  the  new  Adam  held, 
The  ark  in  whom  the  world's  Salvation  lay. 
Who  contains  all,  was  all  contain'd  by  thee, 
Storehouse  and  inexhaustible  abyss 
Of  heav'nly  gifts,  effulgent,  morning  star, 
Fair  queen  of  infinite  delights,  and  rose 
Deprived  of  every  thorn,  th'  unspotted  Spouse, 
Replete  with  grace,  leaning  on  her  Beloved ; 
Sole  daughter,  not  of  death,  but  heav'nly  life, 
Than  virgin  Eve  more  innocent,  always 
Uncorrupt;  who  never  to  the  serpent 
Lent  an  ear,  nor  yet,  with  breath  of  sin 
Thy  purity  enstain'd;  exempt  from  spot. 
Earth  virginal,  unblemish'd,  undefil'd, 
Sweet  paradise  of  innocence,  planted 
At  God's  right  hand,  water'd  with  crystal  streams 
From  Virtue's  fount,  and  fenced  from  snares  malign: 

7  O       " 


36  REDEMPTION. 

The  tree  of  life  with  fairest  fruit  endow'd, 

Of  knowledge  good,  without  the  evil  cursed. 

What  flowers  of  praise  a  garland  shall  enwreathe 

For  thee,  Mary,  branch  sprung  from  Isai's  stem, 

Thyself  the  princess  of  a  royal  line, 

And  worthy  Mother  of  the  King  of  kings? 

In  thee,  Eden  restored,  fresh  blooms  again, 

With  sparkling  beauties  crown'd.     The  lily's  bell, 

Meekly  thy  innocence  displays,  or  shrinks 

The  vale  within,  where  sweet  simplicity 

Most  loves  to  dwell;  for  thee,  the  virgin  rose 

Holds  its  perennial  feast  of  joyous  love; 

Where  e'er  thy  footsteps  tend,  on  fragrant  wing 

The  odor  of  thy  virtues  up  to  heaven 

It  gently  wafts,  a  richer  perfume  than 

Its  golden  chives  e'er  breath'd;  camellia  chaste, 

Thy  chastity  portrays,  whilst  clematis, 

With  graceful  fillets  midst  ambrosia  twined, 

Celestial  wisdom's  nect'rous  dews  distils; 

The  crown  imperial,  showy  bulb,  enwreath'd 

With  fadeless  amaranth,  with  gems  and  gold 

Emboss'd,  weaves  thy  imperial  diadem, 

A  crown  illustrious  and  as  heav'n  etern, 

That  royal  birth  and  queenly  state  becomes. 

Each  floral  beauty  decks  thy  gorgeous  train, 

Semblant  of  thee;  aurate  or  argent, 

Azure,  white,  carnation,  fragrant  or  fair, 

Orange  and  hyacinth  perfumed,  pansy, 

With  damask,  white  and  red,  enamel'd  o'er ; 

All  odors  sweet,  thy  sanctity  embalm. 

Into  this  Paradise  the  tempter  now 
An  entrance  sought;  but  much  th'  archangel's  brond, 


REDEMPTION.  37 

Flaming,  two-edged,  he  fear'd,  still  writhing,  sore 
From  late  defeat,  nor  durst  th'  ethereal  temp'r 
Of  his  legions,  unaided  try  again. 
Back  to  the  Stygian  pool,  inflamed  with  rage, 
He  quickly  hies,  summons  th'  infernal  peers, 
And  brief,  without  prologue,  thus  sharp  begins: 

"  Awake,  ye  powers !  arise,  and  arm  for  fight ! 
Our  mundane  empire  shakes,  whilst  Heav'n  outpours 
His  legionary  slaves  to  re-assume 

The  throne,  which  through  fierce  conflicts  we  have  won, 
By  immemorial  right,  prescriptive  held. 
That  other  Eve,  it  seems,  has  come,  destined, 
For  so  long  since  'twas  said,  to  crush  our  head, 
And  all  mankind  to  Heaven's  fealty 
Restore.     Fresh  sport,  I  trow,  and  Heav'n's  chagrin. 
But  speak  as  best  ye  may,  and  me  advise 
With  what  dire  arms  ferine,  or  deep  deceit, 
This  sinister  portent  may  be  repell'd, 
Or  turn'd  to  our  own  use,  secure  in  pow'r." 

Hell,  in  amaze  had  heard  the  sudden  call, 
And  trembling  at  the  wrathful  countenance 
Of  their  dread  king,  in  numbers  came,  frequent 
And  full.     Each  to  his  sev'ral  seat  repair'd, 
Anxious  to  learn  what  mighty  chevisance 
Now  call'd  their  prowess  forth;  but  when  they  heard 
Their  vaunted  chief  a  fugitive  confess'd 
From  a  weak  woman,  hard  was  the  task 
Their  laughter  to  refrain ;  fear  scarce  restrain'd  them, 
For  soon  a  universal  grin,  ghastly, 
Each  visage  overspread;  whilst  inwardly 
Convulsed,  derision  ill  suppress'd,  their  sides 
They  shook.     Boiling  with  rage  the  Devil  sat, 


38  REDEMPTION. 

But  politic,  a  moment,  curbed  his  ire. 

At  length,  demurely,  Achzib  rose,  than  whom, 

Satan  except,  no  spirit  more  fraudful 

Fell  from  heaven;  slow  to  wage  open  war, 

But  swift  t'  allure  with  sly,  ignoble  lies, 

And  fond  deceits;  his  every  act  a  sham. 

He,  of  all  hell,  was  by  th'  arch  Falser  most 

Abhorr'd,  although  most  like  himself.     This,  none, 

Better  than  Achzib,  knew,  who  measured  out 

An  equal  score  of  hate,  and  with  deceit 

His  oblique  speech,  vindictive,  thus  opponed : 

"  Princes  and  potentates  of  earth  and  hell, 
And  I  would  add,  our  rebel  province  heav'n, 
But  that  our  empire  there  nigh  hopeless  seems, 
Will  not  experience,  which  teaches  all, 
Teach  you?    What  but  defeat  have  ye  e'er  gain'd 
By  open  war  with  our  superior  foes? 
Was  heav'n  retain'd  by  war?    By  war  was  earth, 
Or  by  deceit,  secured  t'  our  allegiance? 
And  by  deceit  is  it  not  now  cornpelPd? 
I  had  supposed  our  policy  was  fix'd; 
But  now  't  appears  we're  summoned  to  arise 
And  arm.     What  arms?    Feminine  arts  't  would  seem, 
Since  our  great  chief  essays  a  feiu'nine  war. 
Nothing  new,  I  trow,  in  th'  annals  of  hell; 
But  now  of  sad  presage,  if  his  swift  flight, 
And  groans,  and  scars  renew'd,  may  aught  portend. 
To  summon  our  high  powers  to  wield  the  sword 
And  brandish  hispid  spears,  in  such  a  cause, 
Is  sadly  to  mistake  our  foes,  whom  erst, 
We've  mostly  met,  and  conquer'd  them,  with  toys; 
Eve  with  an  apple,  and  her  daughters,  not 


REDEMPTION.  39 

More  wise,  with  ornaments,  with  chains  of  gold, 
Rings,  jewels,  necklaces,  and  tinsel  tricks, 
Lascivious  dress,  ruffs,  frills,  laces  and  lawns, 
With  stomachers,  hoops,  veils,  and  gaudy  gear. 
Who  arms  with  these,  though  black  his  heart  be,  as 
Is  aught  in  hell,  a  certain  conquest  gains ; 
With  else  who  arms,  though  as  archangel  pure, 
Naught  but  confusion  and  abrupt  defeat. 
Therefore  whate'er,  0  peers,  y'  advise,  of  this 
Be  sure,  nor  sword  nor  spear,  will  I  assume. 
Not  that  I  hate  heav'n  less,  nor  less  desire 
Revenge — hate  and  revenge,  prime  attributes 
Of  the  infernal  powers,  and  most  of  mine; 
But  that  I  would  advise  what  hurts  heav'n  most, 
And  least  to  hurt  accrues  in  us,  embascd. 
What  boots  it,  that  like  this,  our  fastuous  chief, 
We  rush  fanfareous  into  heat  of  war 
'Gainst  our  unequal  foes,  if  but  to  fly, 
Depulsed  with  hideous  rout,  wrathful  pursued 
To  these  opprobrious  dens,  to  meditate 
Anew,  in  chains,  and  groans,  and  penal  fires, 
Our  gashful  wounds,  and  his  o'erpow'ring  ire  ? 
War  is  high  treason  to  our  state;  war,  I 
Dissuade;  the  more,  since  other  enginery 
Is  more  prolific  in  success.     Ye  have 
What  I  exhort;  if  any  wiser  deem, 
Let  him  now  speak;  none  may  his  speech  estop." 
He  sat,  and  murmurs  of  applause,  far  round, 
From  myriads  of  spirits  damn'd,  who  felt 
Their  fall,  their  hopeless  loss,  and  knew  how  vain 
It  was  with  heaven  to  contend,  arose. 
As  groans  the  earth,  when  subterranean  fires 


40  REDEMPTION. 

Upheave  its  tenuous  crust,  from  soft  congeal'd, 

Or,  as  th'  ethereal  sky,  glummy  with  clouds, 

With  fierce  combustion  rack'd,  and  nit'rous  fumes, 

Vibrates  and  roars,  so  shook  the  base  of  hell, 

With  their  applause,  on  one  side;  while  th'  other, 

With  seething  hisses  boil'd,  and  public  scorn. 

Amidst  the  din  tumultuous,  up  sprang 

The  monster  Milcom,  estuate,  so  named 

In  Indus  and  the  East,  where  first  his  sway 

Began,  to  Persia  thence ;  but  later  known 

As  Moloch,  supreme  the  Ammonites  among; 

Sons  of  Lot,  who  pitch'd  their  tents  from  Arnon 

To  Jeboc,  and  there  his  image  worshipp'd, 

Cruent  from  human  sacrifices  gorged, 

Commingling  shouts  discordant,  fitting  well 

Their  dev'lish  rites,  best  when  discordant  most. 

Rabbath  his  chief  seat,  whose  tribes,  the  demon, 

Long  adored  with  num'rous  names  and  frequent  rites — 

Baal,  Adramelech  and  Chemos,  names, 

But  varied  to  deceive,  demonic  all. 

'Twas  he,  for  whom  the  wiseman,  fool,  the  son 

Of  Israel's  minstrel  king,  forsook  the  truth, 

Built  him  a  temple  near  the  house  of  God, 

Furnish'd  a  grove  on  sacred  Olivet, 

And  heath' nish  lusts  in  face  of  heav'n  pursued; 

Whose  impious  lead  Manasses  took,  and  caused 

His  son  to  pass  through  fire  in  Tophet, 

Ennoiu's  vale,  where  long  after,  when  the  cup 

Of  wrath  was  full,  his  wicked  sons  were  slain, 

Or  captive  led  by  Amalec,  conjoin'd 

With  Ammon,  Eglon,  Moab's  basest  king. 

A  head  and  shoulders  rising  'bove  his  peers, 


REDEMPTION.  41 

And  black  as  night,  the  giant  monster  stood. 
Than  him  no  pow'r  superior  hell  could  boast, 
Save  who  contrived  their  primitive  revolt, 
None  dreaded  more,  and  into  silence  waned 
The  din  composed,  frowning,  his  goary  locks 
He  shakes,  and  with  stentorian  voice  displodes : 

"  Fallen  indeed  ye  are,  and  reprobate, 
Who  can  without  revolt  to  such  advice 
Give  ear,  or  seek  ignoble  peace.     Have  we 
Not  sworn  eternal  war  'gainst  heaven's  King  ? 
And  pledg'd  with  wrathful  fires  perpetual 
To  re-invade  his  works,  them  to  destroy, 
Or  t'  our  use  convert  ?    And  shall  we  now  preach 
Peace?    Peace  !  hisses  that  sound  upon  mine  ear. 
Is  peace  an  attribute  of  hell?    I  laugh 
At  peace,  and  gorgon  horrors  hail ;  hail  blood, 
And  discord  hail.     Confusion,  turmoil,  war, 
Hate,  malice,  rage,  revenge,  rapine  and  spoils, 
These  be  my  peace;  these  the  conditions  sole 
Of  my  existence.     Ye  gods!  it  irks  me 
To  stand  here  and  prate,  or  idly  sit,  whilst 
Our  useless  arms  hang  weary  at  our  sides, 
And  nothing  worthy  of  our  cause  subvenes. 
Secure  in  your  possessions  on  the  earth, 
Here  have  ye  sat,  the  gates  of  Clusius  shut, 
The  dogs  of  war  within  their  kennels  leash'd, 
And  all  the  world  at  peace;  while  Heav'n  looks  down, 
Our  pow'rs  inactive  sees,  and  some  new  scheme, 
(What,  is  not  yet  explain'd,)  devises  there 
To  our  hurt.     Or  man,  or  child,  or  woman, 
Me  concerns  not.     If  man,  the  more  my  rage 
And  fondness  for  revenge  incite  ;  if  child, 


42  REDEMPTION. 

Or  woman,  then  still  more  their  shrieks  and  cries 

My  ear  delight,  harmonious  to  the  sense. 

Let  those  who  wiles  boast,  wiles  pursue :  but  give 

Me  open  war.     I  chafe  and  burn  to  lead 

My  legions  forth,  and  slow  restraint  brook  not. 

Defeat  is  fear'd  ?    Who  argues  fear,  impugns 

His  nature,  and  his  origin  defames. 

What  is  defeat?    Short  respite  for  repose 

To  arm  anew,  and  with  fresh  force  assail 

Our  foes;  respite,  to  concentrate  our  wrath. 

Wounds  ?    Ye  powers !  can  heavenly  born  fear  wounds? 

Or  yet  not  know,  ethereal  substance  thus 

Disclosed,  innoxious  heals,  and  leaves  no  sting 

Behind  ?    Or  if  the  sting  of  death  enure, 

Will  it  be  more  obnoxious  to  our  sense 

Than  now?    Hell  flames  have  all  their  fury  tried, 

And  yet  we  live;  live,  and  in  strength  renew'd, 

Fill  heav'n  and  earth  perpetual  with  alarms. 

No;  let  us  rather  with  hell's  furies  arm, 

Anew  assault  the  earth,  and  thence  perchance, 

HeavVs  barriers  left  exposed,  sudden  arise, 

Val'rous  regain  our  pristine  seats,  o'erthrow 

Heav'n's  Lord,  and  him  with  all  his  hosts  consign 

To  these  dark  dens  of  infamy  and  shame. 

Or  failing  this,  at  least  excite  his  ire, 

Turn  his  fierce  wrath  on  whom  we  have  seduced, 

(Since  us  he  cannot  more  afflict,)  and  thus 

Indite  another  flood,  perhaps  a  flood 

Of  fire,  sweep  from  the  earth  his  petted  race, 

The  promise  interdict,  and  man  exclude 

From  heav'n;  thus  twofold  end  secure,  divert 

His  aim,  and  quick  replenish  hell,  but  slow 


REDEMPTION.  43 

Empeopled  by  plodding  death,  or  altars 
Drench'd  in  human  goro.     Less  than  such  emprise, 
0  peers,  I  spurn :  for  this,  fearless  I  arm, 
And  wage  eternal  warfare  for  the  right." 

The  monster  ended  with  a  wrathful  scowl, 
And  hell,  oppress' d,  breath'd  freer  at  the  close, 
llelieved,  and  deeper  drew  the  air.     So,  they, 
Who  sudd'nly  submerged,  after  long  absence, 
To  the  surface  brought,  stifled  and  panting, 
Deep  inspiration  draw;  or  so,  who  through 
Some  smoldry  ruin  make  their  way,  begrim'd 
With  soot  and  smoke,  when  to  fresh  air  restored, 
Gasp  for  their  breath,  and  heave  with  lab'ring  sighs. 
For,  though  they  sought  revenge,  most  dreaded  war 
Far  more  than  hell,  or  hottest  of  hell's  fires. 

Not  daunted,  next  the  serpent  Python  rose; 
Fabled  a  serpent,  sprung  from  out  the  mud 
And  stagnant  pools  of  the  Deucalion  flood; 
Or,  as  others  say,  produced  by  Juno, 
To  persecute  Latona,  and  after, 
By  Apollo  slain;  tale  more  fitly  told 
In  th'  Egyptian  myth  of  Ob  and  Horus; 
But  fables  all.     He  fell  from  heav'n  long  time 
Before,  with  all  the  rebel  rout,  and  lost 
His  pristine  form  angelic,  when  Satan, 
From  the  ruin'd  world  return'd,  his  sad  tale 
Told  of  Eve  deceived,  and  first  fell  serpent 
Prone,  as  first  t'  applaud,  and  first  to  startle 
At  his  accent,  changed  from  heav'nly  cadence 
T'  a  serpent's  hiss,  as  long  time  since  was  sung; 
Voice  changed,  and  form,  but  subtil  wisdom  left, 
And  afterwards  display'd,  at  Delphi's  fane, 


44  REDEMPTION. 

To  neighb'ring  nations,  easily  misled, 

Which  oft  with  mournful  cries  the  serpent  sought. 

Th'  infernal  pow'rs  attentive  to  his  lore, 

The  reptile  thus,  with  dev'lish  art  began  : 

"  Celestial  spirits,  (if  mere  mockery 
It  be  not,  these  snaky  forms  t'  enoble 
With  such  sounding  names,  irrevocably 
Fallen,)  or  peace,  or  war,  concerns  not  me, 
Provided  counsel,  wisdom,  find  their  place 
Concentual.     Who  war  essays  without, 
And  without  stratagem,  or  wiles,  or  snares, 
But  dupes  himself,  and  hastens  his  defeat. 
Since  man  was  conquer'd  by  our  tricks,  with  what 
Incredible,  unceasing  toil,  have  not 
Our  powers  assail'd  his  sense,  still  to  deceive 
And  hold  him  in  subjection?    Soon,  debased, 
We  led  him  all  the  hosts  of  heav'n  t'  adore; 
Next,  gently'  induced,  man  apotheosized 
Received  deific  rites;  easy  the  rest; 
Gods  there  must  be;  but  what  gods?    This  to  teach, 
Heav'n  fail'd  not.     But,  passion  led,  in  our  toils 
Ensnared,  cadent  they  fell  our  easy  prey. 
Altars  on  all  sides  round  smoked  to  our  names; 
At  first  with  simple  fruitage  heap'd,  at  last, 
With  brute  and  human  sacrifices  gorged. 
No  marvel  Heav'n  enraged,  swept  from  the  earth 
Th'  abortive  race;  less  than  this,  what  could  He? 
But,  earth  renew'd,  with  bow  of  promise  deck'd, 
New  triumphs  re-imposed,  with  promise  broke. 
Man  less  to  heav'n,  and  more  to  us  inclined. 
Now  temples  rose,  and  consecrated  groves, 
With  varied  images  adorn'd,  to  suit 


REDEMPTION.  45 

The  varying  sense  of  fickle  man;  pure, 

For  the  lustrate;  for  the  impure,  obscene; 

Hideous,  to  terrify  the  weak;  ornate, 

The  fanciful  to  please;  hermetic  last 

For  wise,  who  chief  are  trick'd  with  subtil  lore. 

Thus  Belu?,  who  the  Babylonians  duped, 

Assyria,  and  all  the  spacious  east, 

Rose  first,  whose  temple  Babel  was ;  Baal 

His  name  the  Canaanites  among;  the  next, 

Astarte,  his  obscene  consort,  fit  pair 

The  sons  of  Noe  to  seduce,  and  shape 

To  our  intent;  Phoenice  chiefest  seat 

Of  her  adoring  rites,  adulterous. 

And  who  of  hell  has  never  heard  the  fame 

Of  Dagon  ?  fishy  monster  half,  half  man; 

The  more  of  monster  he,  the  more  adored, 

Which  stands  the  certain  seal  of  our  success, 

And  well  might  raise  the  wonder  both  of  heav'n 

And  hell.     But  here  in  our  affairs  occurs 

Some  change,  secret  till  now,  and  unexposed. 

The  world  lay  prostrate  at  our  feet,  when  Heav'n 

To  secure  the  slight  allegiance  he  held, 

Living  reponses  gave,  and  oracles 

Endow'd — Urim  and  Thummim,  chief  the  means 

Thus  used.     So  we,  as  who  me  knows,  knows  well 

How  this  was  met,  and  knows  with  what  success. 

First,  Libyan  and  Dodouian  Hammon  rose, 

Famous  in  Egypt,  chief  in  Thebes  renown'd, 

Whose  temples,  monuments,  and  hundred  gates, 

Magnificent,  conspired  to  swell  the  fame 

Of  his  high  state.     Memphian  Serapis  next, 

Scarcely  less  eminent,  appear'd;  three  fanes 


46  REDEMPTION. 

Confirm  his  rites,  all  rich  endow'd,  and  great ; 

Great  to  bind  human  souls  fast  hold  on  hell. 

More  to  recount,  here  needs  not.     Delphi's  fame 

Ye  know,  and  him  who  built  his  gorgeous  shrine, 

Trophonius,  he  of  Boeotia  proud  j 

Cumaean  Sybils  too,  'midst  sickly  caves, 

Who  much  our  mirth  excite,  and  awe  of  men ; 

Still  more  Diana,  great  at  Ephesus, 

Whom  Taurici,  with  human  victims  oft 

Appease.     Apollo  the  best  cheat  of  all ;    . 

Who  not  alone  whom  we  possess'd  ensnared, 

But,  toying  with  whose  plaintive  tale,  bashless, 

Juda's  daughters  the  law  of  truth  forsook, 

Urim  and  Thummim  scorn'd,  oracular, 

And  oft  with  luctual  sighs  the  demon  sought, 

Though  at  the  peril  of  Levitic  curse ; 

Such  pow'r  superior  did  our  cause  engage. 

To  these,  the  Chaseedin  and  Asaphim, 

Magicians,  sorcerers,  and  wizards,  add, 

And  all  the  rabble,  which  in  compact  firm 

We  hold  to  work  our  will  on  man,  and  hence 

Inquire,  if  other  fields  here  need  essay. 

With  these,  and  such  like  instruments,  has  hell 

Been  fill'd.     List  to  the  groans  which  issue  from 

Yon  gulf  of  boiling  wrath ;  look  to  that  sea 

Of  liquid  fire,  where  restless  souls  enlave 

Their  burning  forms ;  and  hear  the  shrieks  of  woe, 

Which  e'er  resound  from  adamantine  rocks, 

From  glowing  hills,  and  incandescent  plains 

Of  unconsuming  fire.     Ye  have  then  what 

I  most  advise — lead  all  hell's  legions  forth ; 

Some,  if  it  please,  an  open  war  to  wage, 


REDEMPTION.  47 

Some  to  deceive  by  stratagems  and  lies, 
But  all  with  malice  arm'd,  and  swift  revenge. 
Who  may  not  be  content  with  this,  incense 
My  scorn.     Let  such  some  better  counsel  show." 

The  serpent  writhing  to  his  calid  seat, 
The  signal  was  for  universal  din. 
Hell  into  wildest  discord  broke,  and  raged 
With  impotent  malignity  and  hate. 
Some,  war  would  have;  other  some,  peace  ;  this,  wounds 
Fear'd ;  that,  increase  of  pain,  and  dread  to  be 
In  greater  torture  mulct;  these  thought  their  case 
Quite  past  retrieve  :  annihilation,  those 
Deem'd  refuge  sole  from  woe  impending ;  would 
They  ne'er  had  been,  or  now  might  cease  to  be, 
And  mainly  sought  how  most  t'  exasperate 
Almighty  Power,  that  he  the  long  wish'd  bolt 
Might  send,  which  them  forever  should  consign 
To  that  oblivious  void  from  whence  they  came. 
Each  'gainst  the  other  hurl'd  his  venom'd  wrath, 
And  each,  recriminative,  th'  other  charged 
The  cause  of  that  default  which  wrought  their  woe. 
As  some  proud  senators,  (if  things,  though  small, 
Familiar,  may  serve  the  supernatural 
To  illustrate,)  in  angry  contests  stalk 
Through  legislative  halls,  brandish  their  knives, 
And  wield  revolving  arms,  with  vain  intent 
To  settle  knotty  points,  when  words  no  more 
Avail.     Harsh  sounds  their  discord,  clamors 
On  clamors  rise,  sharp  shrieks  their  voice,  their  eyeballs 
Glaring  roll;  stormy  their  brow,  their  visage 
Foul  distort;  from  two,  now  four  take  sides,  then 
All  conglobe,  and  swell  the  intestine  broil : 


48  REDEMPTION. 

Rock'd  to  her  center,  heaves  the  lofty  dome, 

Disturbs  the  people,  fills  with  dread  alarms, 

And,  to  her  utmost  confines,  shakes  the  state. 

So,  fierce  th'  infernal  pow'rs  their  cause  maintain'd, 

Contention  by  contention  more  inflamed, 

Till  each  'gainst  th'  other  wielded  hellish  arms, 

And  feats  achieved,  whereof  hell's  annals  ring. 

Abaddon,  king  of  lowest  hell,  and  chief 

Of  the  Apocalyptic  locusts,  led 

The  dire  turmoil,  determined,  if  he  could, 

Earth  to  destroy,  and  in  the  deadly  feud 

Involve  all  entity  entire ;  fit  name, 

Destroyer,  destruction  ever  his  sole  aim ; 

Apollyon  with  the  Greeks,  Exterminans 

At  Rome ;  varied,  but  still  the  same,  contrast 

Of  sound,  consent  of  sense.     Milcom  was  not 

Behind  in  wrath ;  but,  fiercer  from  repulse, 

The  more  urged  on  the  growing  contest,  wild 

Inflamed.     With  him,  Titanus  join'd,  and  all 

His  giant  crew,  Mimas,  Enceladus, 

Briareus,  Porphyrion,  and  Cott; 

And  many  more,  pretended  to  derive 

From  Japhet,  in  Gomer's  line ;  far  other, 

Devils  all,  whose  ruinous  wars  confounded 

Ev'n  hell,  where  now  from  penal  fires  aroused, 

They  meditate  new  issue  with  the  just. 

Next  Lucifer,  who,  drunk  with  former  pow'r, 

As  high  in  state  uplifted,  so  low  fall'n, 

Still  hoped  his  pristine  glory  to  regain, 

Added  his  fury  to  the  glowing  fire. 

To  these  give  Nesroch,  who  at  Ninive'  sat, 

And  Azazel,  next  infamous  of  note, 


REDEMPTION.  49 

• 

Chief  standard  bearer  mid  Satanic  hosts, 

With  Mulciber,  chief  engineer;  Orthus 

And  Ephialtus,  Aloides,  who, 

With  the  Titans  huge,  against  high  heav'n  warr'd ; 

To  these  Osiris  join,  whose  goblin  troops 

Ransack'd  the  world  for  spoils — satyrs  and  elves, 

Wing'd  serpents,  dragons,  phantasms,  hideous  shapes, 

That  range  sequester'd  vales,  and  most  the  streams 

Of  Ister  haunt.     All  these  and  many  more, 

One-third  of  hell's  dread  chiefs,  with  their  cohorts 

Innumerous,  clainor'd  for  war,  alert 

To  scale  the  vault  of  heav'n,  to  inundate 

The  earth,  and  follow  where  their  princes  lead. 

On  th'  other  side  with  various  motives  bent, 
Th'  incensed  rabble  strove.     Beelzebub, 
The  first  against  them  stood ;  the  same,  whose  fane 
And  oracle  at  Accaron,  seduced 
Ochozias,  there  to  inquire  of  him, 
As  if  no  God  in  favor'd  Israel  reign'd. 
Belial,  the  furious  tempest  next  embroil'd ; 
The  vilest  rebel  he,  which  fell  from  heav'n, 
Rebellious  e'en  among  the  fallen  crew, 
Amongst  the  devils  devilish  the  most. 
He  'twas  the  Gabaanites  misled  to  crimes 
Abhorr'd,  made  them  the  Levite's  wife  abuse, 
And  Phinees  and  Ophni,  Heli's  sons, 
Debauch'd.     Dagon,  chief  of  Philistia's  gods, 
In  many'  a  contest  brunted,  newer  wars 
Much  fear'd  to  undertake,  and,  prompted  thus, 
Oppugnant  stood  for  peace.     At  Azotus 
Twice  he  fell  prostrate  'fore  the  ark  of  God ; 
The  second  time  both  head  and  hands  lopp'd  off, 


50  REDEMPTION. 

While  they  of  Geth  and  Azotus,  their  god 

Abash'd,  disown'd,  and  sent  the  ark  away; 

Still  a  third  time,  before  the  valiant  son 

Of  Manue,  the  monster  fell,  and  'neath 

His  temple  crush'd,  received  a  deadly  blow. 

Then  in  the  fierce  melee1  Remmon  advanced, 

Who  fix'd  his  chief  seat  at  Demesk;  a  seat 

Richly  adorn 'd  with  gold  and  precious  stones, 

'Midst  variegated  fields  and  scented  air; 

First  of  terrestrial  paradises  deem'd, 

Yet  soon  by  his  polluting  orgies  stain'd, 

And  than  the  Syrian  leper  made  more  foul, 

Whom  Pharphar,  nor  Abana,  flowing  streams, 

Could  heal.     These,  and  unnumber'd  chiefs,  lesser 

Of  note,  the  tumult  urged  on;  Chiron, 

A  monster  vast,  of  twofold  form ;  Achar, 

Asmodeus,  Chiun,  Javan  and  Aon, 

Who  former  high  in  rank  celestial  stood, 

Now  grown  abased,  and  deem'd  enough  their  pangs, 

Sad  plight,  and  unrevocable  despair. 

Hotly  the  warfare  raged;  each  th'  other  urged 

T'  increase  the  growing  strife,  the  tumult  swell,  r 

Till  all  the  Stygian  powers,  th'  encounter  join'd, 

And  blaring  Discord,  vi'lent,  reign'd  supreme. 

As  Auster  when  with  Boreas  he  contends, 

Or  Africus  against  Aquilo  flies. 

And  Caurus  with  Auronotus  conflicts, 

Lash'd  into  foam,  the  surging  ocean  roars, 

Wave  urges  wave  and  frets  the  angry  shore; 

The  sea  the  land  involves,  the  forests  groan, 

Uprooted  oaks  against  each  other  toss; 

Then  quakes  the  ground,  the  mountains  heave,  till  earth, 


* 

REDEMPTION.  51 

In  the  dread  strife  involved,  to  ruin  falls. 
So  rack'd  was  hell ;  when,  rising,  the  archfiend, 
His  countenance  inflamed  with  hate  and  rage, 
Thus  check'd  the  growing  storm,  and  their  despite, 
Malicious,  turn'd  against  the  common  foe: 

"  Insensate  furies  !  hath  not  hell  enough 
Sharp  throes,  that  ye  should  thus  incendious 
Add  to  our  hurt?  whom  now,  if  ev'r,  concord 
Should  firmly  bind,  in  unison  to  meet 
Him  whom  we  equally  abhor;  whose  pow'r, 
'Tis  both  our  interest  and  aim  t'  o'erthrow? 
Or,  deem  ye  so  replete  and  strong  our  force, 
That  ye  can  well  afford  its  strength  to  waste 
In  broils  intestinal?     It  was  not  thus 
Ye  overcame  and  conquer'd  earth;  still  less 
Our  empire  there,  by  this,  can  long  retain. 
Cease  then  your  strife,  or  soon  expect  to  feel 
A  weight  of  wrath  descending  on  your  heads, 
Such  as  the  heav'ns  themselves  have  ne'er  outpour'd." 

Instant  their  clamor  ceased;  for  more  they  fear'd 
The  Dragon's  voice,  than  aught  save  th'  omniscient, 
All-consuming,  ire;  when  thus  the  goblin 
Such  prologue  began :  "  Ethereal  born, 
Though  now  hell-doom'd,  unless  perchance  ye  fly 
Your  pains,  and  seek  more  blest  abodes,  secure 
From  ills  perpetual;  though  much  I  doubt, 
From  what  has  pass'd  this  night  in  hell.     Or  else 
My  senses  me  deceive,  or  here  ye'd  stay, 
Courting  uneasy  ease,  when  one  more  throw, 
Eternally  may  our  great  empire  fix, 
Firm  bound  to  our  allegiance.     When  man  first, 
(Wisely,  I  deem,)  broke  faith  with  heav'n,  the  fruit 


52  REDEMPTION. 

Forbidden  ate,  and  thus  became  as  gods, 

Knowing  both  good  and  ev'l,  a  fame  went  forth 

That  from  his  loins  should  spring  of  woman's  seed, 

One,  who  should  crush  our  head.     That  promised  Seed 

Hath  come.     This  second  Eve  is  born,  mature, 

From  whom  more  perfect  Adam  shall  arise, 

Destined  to  conquer  hell,  and  all  hell's  powers, 

Chain'd  to  his  triumphal  car,  lead  captive. 

Nor  hath  she  come  alone;  all  heav'n  hath  pour'd 

Its  legions  forth,  to  follow  in  her  train; 

And  even  now  they  celebrate  with  song, 

This  trophy  of  supernal  grace,  whilst  ye 

Sit  here  dehiscent,  recreant  to  your  oath, 

And  fail  t'  assert  your  cause.     Easy  the  task, 

If  ye  at  once  begin ;  laborious, 

Perhaps  impossible,  if  through  delay, 

This  new,  upstart  race,  by  multiplying, 

Fresh  forces  add  to  our  eternal  foes. 

Eve  facile  fell,  and  Adam,  and  in  them 

The  human  race;  so  Noe  and  his  son, 

The  father  of  the  second  world.     Why  not 

This  second  Eve?  and  with  her  this  new  Man, 

Promised  from  her  to  rise?   In  past  success 

The  fitliest  moment  learn  when  to  assail, 

And  our  high  dition  with  one  blow  secure. 

Should  we  succeed,  and  none  I  trow  be  here, 

Who  doubts,  then  all  is  o'er;  the  human  race 

Is  ours,  and  heav'n  itself  must  soon  succumb. 

Nor  have  ye  need  thus  fatuously  to  strive, 

What  part  in  this  great  war,  each  shall  enact. 

I,  with  hell's  cohorts,  all  who  war  acclaim, 

Will  this  new  Eden  re-assail,  with  hope, 


REDEMPTION.  53 

By  force  or  guile,  to  circumvent  its  guards; 

And,  though  its  Empress  be  as  seraph  pure, 

Pollute,  and  lay  her  abject  at  our  feet. 

And  Him,  who  from  her  seed  ordain'd  shall  rise, 

By  like  device,  prostrate  as  low;  perchance, 

Through  her  unworthiness,  defeat  his  birth, 

And  with  one  stroke  abort  Heav'n's  best  laid  plans. 

The  rest,  assign'd  has  each  his  sev'ral  part; 

Some,  with  surreption  to  possess  mankind; 

Others  to  agitate,  obsess,  besiege, 

And  hellward  all  their  thoughts  obdure  incline. 

These,  omens,  augurs,  presages,  mislead; 

Those,  wonders,  signs,  false  counsels,  next  divert. 

Arm  all  the  pageantry  of  hell;  let  witch, 

Let  wizard,  cheat  with  portents,  charms  and  craft, 

While  necromancy  opes,  or  seeming  opes, 

The  roll  of  doubtful  fates,  though  each  prove  false. 

Familiars  give  to  some,  to  some  weird  arts, 

But  chief  with  gafty  oracles  delude; 

In  these  concentre  all  your  vafrous  skill, 

Nor  let  one  voice  be  dumb;  not  Tenedos, 

Not  Delphi,  nor  Patara,  fanes  renown'd. 

Far  as  the  Pythian  name  and  voice  extend, 

Or  where  the  Sibyls  hurl  their  vagi-ant  verse, 

Infuse  each  note,  inspire  every  theme. 

Prophet,  or  Pythoness,  or  priest,  or  seer, 

Alike  delude,  that  each  may  turn  oblique 

From  truthful  vision,  and  but  error  see; 

Deem  error  truth,  and  truth  e'er  brand  as  false. 

Think  nothing  small,  that  to  this  point  may  tend, 

And  that,  though  small,  which  most  effects,  deem  great. 

To  counsel  here  give  ear — The  fame  that  tells 

I 


54  REDEMPTION. 

Of  a  Deliv'rer's  birth,  to  our  part  turn; 

Let  gen'ral  expectation  hail  his  rise. 

"Whatever  name  ye  find  it  best  to  use, 

Or  Pollio's,  or  great  Augustus'  son, 

Son  of  Octavia,  still  make  him  seem 

The  Saviour ;  call  him  every  flatt'ring  name  ; 

Make  him  a  god,  so  ye  but  them  deceive. 

Affix  the  reign  of  peace,  such  as  it  is, 

To  his  high  birth ;  thus  shall  ye  blind  the  world, 

Till  we  in  other  fields  our  part  enact, 

And  conquer  Him  who  comes,  or  God,  or  man. 

No  moment  lose;  up,  arm,  advance;  diverse 

Though  be  your  ways,  by  diff'rent  counsels  led, 

Let  concord  bind  you  in  your  firm  intent 

To  mar  all  good,  evil  perpetuate, 

And  every  heaven  into  hell  convert." 

Th'  infernal  powers  heard  with  plaudits  loud ; 
Loud  as  the  sound  of  roaring  seas,  or  voice 
Of  troubled  waters,  which,  contending,  meet 
In  some  dark  gurge,  and  thund'ring  force  their  way. 
Each,  though  contentious,  easy  found  his  part, 
And  learn'd  how  discord  might  harmonious  work, 
In  devious  ways  to  reach  the  same  bad  end. 
So,  in  the  world's  convention,  lately  held 
In  modern  Babel,  seated  on  the  Thames, 
Men  of  opposing  aims,  of  diff'rent  creeds, 
With  fierce  contention  urged  their  sev'ral  plans ; 
Then,  after  long  debate,  with  angry  spume 
Inspersed,  agreed  to  disagree,  so  each 
But  still  with  pigmy  efforts  strive  to  wreck 
The  Ark  of  God,  upon  their  wordy  sea. 
Such  moment  opportune  the  Devil  chose 


REDEMPTION.  55 

•P 

The  grand  Tartarean  council  to  disolve. 
Straight  from  his  lofty  seat,  as  Etna  huge, 
And  fiercer  than  her  fires  when  most  inflamed, 
Descends  the  Dragon,  and,  through  countless  fiends, 
Press'd  on  his  way.     Furrow'd  to  right  and  left, 
They  sway,  as  waves  when  some  huge  admiral 
Deep  ploughs  the  main,  then,  foll'wing  in  his  wake, 
Aquoseous  return ;  each  knows  his  place, 
And  each,  spontaneous  arin'd,  battalion'd,  march, 
A  serried  host,  wide  spread,  in  long  array, 
Banner'd  and  panoplied,  with  bick'ring  flames. 
Just  outside  Pandemonium,  and  hard  by 
Lethean  gulph,  a  calcined  plain  extends, 
Full  many'  a  league.     Thither  th'  infernal  pow'rs 
With  speed  repair,  and,  (so  quick  spirits  move,) 
Instant  complete  their  terrible  array. 
Three  lines,  broad  as  the  lum'nous  zones  of  earth, 
And  thrice  their  length,  extend  their  thronged  files, 
Strong  marshall'd  in  their  sev'ral  kinds,  perite 
Deploy 'd,  each  one  to  his  opprobrious  task. 
The  first  Hastati  call,  who  wield  the  arms 
Of  hell,  its  fiery  darts,  and  hispid  spears, 
Or  mainly  urge  the  nations  to  contend ; 
Nor  seem  at  ease,  but  when  contention  most 
Abounds,  and  most  their  victims  groan,  embroil'd. 
Of  these  th'  arch  Dragon  led  the  van ;  his  right, 
Abaddon  took,  the  left  wing,  Milcom,  chiefs, 
Who  delight  in  blood ;  than  whom  superior 
Stand  in  arms,  none,  save  infamous,  their  head. 
Tabbied  with  livid  flames,  a  horrid  front 
They  bear,  with  griffin  wings  and  gorgou  locks 
Endow'd,  and  mails  of  emerald  embjss'd, 


5C  REDEMPTION. 

Impervious  to  assault  from  less  than  gods. 

Subord'nate  to  their  rule,  and  strict  conduct, 

Legions  of  spirits  move ;  all  under  lead 

Of  lesser  chiefs,  whose  names,  not  loss'd  to  earth, 

Sing  heav'nly  Muse ;  tell  how  Enceladus, 

Chief  of  the  giant  crew,  conspired  against 

Jehovah,  led  to  war  his  fierce  cohorts, 

With  Mimas,  and  Briareus,  so  call'd 

In  hell,  JEgeon  by  the  sons  of  men ; 

Next  him,  Porphyrion,  a  host  himself; 

JEgeus  then,  sea  monster,  some  pretend, 

And  Mulciber,  imp  of  the  fiery  forge, 

Janus  two-faced,  Mavors,  and  Orcus  huge  ; 

By  scelerous  rabble  closed,  black  Hecate, 

Daughter  of  eldest  night,  with  ready'  escort, 

Alecto  and  Megsera,  furies  dire, 

Tisiphone  their  chief,  whose  office  'tis 

To  set  mankind  at  variance,  fan  the  flames 

Of  war,  and  cruel  contests  e'er  incite. 

Not  less  potential  ranged  the  second  line, 

By  some  deem'd  Principes,  mature  in  crime, 

Skill'd  in  deceit,  well  fitted  to  delude, 

And  principals  in  every  darksome  deed. 

These  own'd  the  conduct  of  Beelzebub, 

The  next  in  power  to  Satan,  and  with  whom, 

He  held  divided  empire  o'er  the  damn'd. 

Python  his  right,  Belus  his  left  hand  took, 

While  Dagon,  Javan,  Chiron  and  Aon, 

With  many'  a  leader  oft  in  annals  sung; 

Authors  of  every  superstitious  rite, 

Builders  of  temples,  furnishers  of  groves, 

Each  to  his  sep'rate  sub-command  repair'd. 


REDEMPTION.  57 

These,  dubious  inspirations  ever  give 

To  lying  oracles,  and  Sibyls'  verse  ; 

T'  all,  who  invoke  their  deadly  names,  or  breathe 

The  sulph'rous  vapors  issuing  from  the  pit, 

Where  Pythige  sit  convulsed  and  foul  distort, 

Till  hisses,  howls,  groans,  cries,  torment  the  air, 

And  with  affright  disperse  the  gaping  crowds. 

The  last  Velites  name,  agile,  light  arm'd, 

Nigh  half  of  hell  include  whose  vagrant  bands. 

O'er  these,  the  king  of  terrors  reigns  supreme, 

To  whom  was  given  pow'r  on  earth  to  kill 

With  famine,  pestilence,  and  beasts  of  prey. 

Nor  had  they  place  assigned,  array  compact, 

But  o'er  the  fourfold  parts  of  earth  wide  roarn'd, 

A  host  of  goblins,  chimeras,  gorgons, 

Phantoms  of  nameless  forms,  gnomes,  ghouls  obscene, 

Hydras  and  dragons,  spouting  smoke  and  flames, 

Wing'd,  claw'd,  and  mail'd,  to  fly,  or  run,  or  walk, 

Or  stand  impervious  to  assaults  of  foes, 

Subtil  to  tempt,  or  to  possess  mankind; 

Slot-hounds  of  hell  of  every  hideous  shape, 

Snuffing  their  prey  from  far,  eager  to  tear, 

And  their  insatiate  maws  with  blood  engorge. 

Thick  swarm  the  fiery  horrors ;  not  so  thick 

Arabia's  sands,  when  blows  the  hot  simoom, 

And  wilder'd  caravans,  entire  ingulf; 

Nor  reedy  grass,  o'er  ocean  prairie  spread. 

On  all  sides  round,  th'  interminable  fields, 

Like  em'rald  waves  perpetual  moving,  toss, 

Now  bending,  rising,  rolling  to  the  blast, 

Now  serrous  rustling  to  th'  inconstant  breeze ; 

Here  lordly  bisons  swim,  and  whinny'ing  herds, 

5* 


58  REDEMPTION. 

Raise  their  broad  backs,  or  skim  with  arrowy  speed. 

Perchance  a  spark,  struck  from  projecting  flint, 

Or  brand,  left  burning  where  some  wayfarers 

Prepared  their  frugal  meal,  finds  ready  culm ; 

The  spark  to  flames  grows,  flames,  with  lambent  tongues, 

And  savage  appetite,  lap  up  their  prey ; 

Wide  o'er  the  wasteful,  vegetable  sea, 

Roll  their  huge  volumes,  dense  with  smoke  and  heat, 

Whilst  thund'ring  roars,  vibrating,  shake  the  ground, 

And  bello'wing  herds  rush  madly  'fore  the  storm. 

When  satiate,  pass'd,  the  blacken'd  stubble  stands, 

Thick  sown,  o'er  all  the  grimy  vast  condensed, 

Shrivel'd  and  curl'd,  with  sparkling  fires  inspersed. 

Not  less,  but  greater,  greater  and  more  dense, 

Th'  imbanded  demons  stand,  then  onward  press, 

With  bestial  roars,  and  slimy,  slav'ring  trail ; 

Not  wanting  doleful  music,  notes,  harsh  beat 

To  measured  tread — for  sounding  brass,  deep  groans 

Of  dark  despair;  in  place  of  dulcet  sounds 

From  lutes  and  soft  recorders,  wails  of  woe, 

And  moans  of  damned  souls,  that  ruin'd  lay 

In  those  infernal  dens,  the  hapless  fruits 

Pluck'd  by  successful  cheats,  play'd  on  weak  man. 

There  lay  the  primal  fratricide,  with  brand 

Of  heaVn  deep  graven  on  his  front;  nor  far, 

That  godless  crew,  who  turn'd  deaf  ear  to  voice 

Of  righteous  Noe,  and  without  penance 

Sank  beneath  the  flood ;  there  they  of  Sodom 

And  Gomorrha,  reaping  their  just  reward, 

Onan,  and  all  the  like,  who  stain  their  souls 

With  nameless  crimes ;  Pharao  and  his  hosts, 

That  Israel  pursued,  o'erwhelmed  now 


REDEMPTION.  59 

In  fiery  seas ;  all,  who  averted  turn 
From  God,  and  to  idolatries  devote 
Their  powers ;  sinners  of  every  dye,  pamper'd 
With  lusts ;  the  fearful,  faithless,  covetous, 
Effeminate ;  adult'rers,  railers,  proud, 
Drunkards,  and  thieves,  and  fornicators;  all, 
Who  fail'd  their  grov'ling  passions  to  subdue, 
Now  undeceived,  bemoan  their  loss,  and  greet 
The  ears  of  their  irrisive  foes,  with  notes 
Of  sorrow,  grief,  despair,  and  luctual  pangs. 
Unspeakable  their  anguish,  groans  and  cries, 
That,  sounding  through  the  vaults  of  hell,  intone 
Discordant  music  to  th'  infernal  hosts. 

Hard  by  the  way  they  took,  and  deep  embay' d 
Within  a  sea  of  liquid  fire,  uprose 
A  promontory,  glowing  with  asphalt, 
Visci'd  bitume.     Upon  its  tow' ring  summit, 
Shrouded  in  pitchy  fumes,  retired  apart, 
The  son  of  Beor  stood,  as  once  he  stood 
On  Phasga,  when  the  king  of  Moab  fain 
Would  have  him  curse  the  chosen  seed,  whom  God 
Had  bless' d.     Thrice  he  essay'd  to  speak,  and  thrice 
He  bless' d ;  no  more  nor  less  than  as  the  Lord 
Had  said ;  but  after,  sought  the  Nachasim, 
And  through  divining,  taught  the  Moabites 
How  Israel  to  seduce.     Him  Israel  slew, 
And  thence  his  soul  to  hell  consign'd,  where,  e'en 
Though  false  at  heart,  imbued  with  sacred  truth, 
He  still  vaticinates  against  his  own. 
The  raging  fiends  he  saw  dilate  the  road, 
Keplete  with  mischief,  on  fleet  pinions  bent, 
Nine  days  and  nights  tumultuous  as  they  pass'd, 


60  REDEMPTION. 

Thick  swarm'd  the  way,  and  darken'd  all  the  air. 
He  saw,  and  knew  their  lungeoua  intent ; 
Knew,  and  with  voice  elate,  nine  days  and  nights, 
Presaged  thus  their  quick  and  sure  defeat : 

"  The  hearer  of  the  word  of  God,  who  knows 
The  doctrine  of  the  Highest,  and,  though  fall'n, 
The  visions  of  th'  Almighty  sees,  hath  said ; 
Balaam  the  son  of  Beor,  he  hath  said ; 
Ye  powers  of  hell,  give  ear.     Is  God  a  man, 
That  he  should  lie  ?  or  such  that  he  should  change  ? 
The  heav'ns  shall  pass  away,  the  sun  with  age 
Grow  dim,  but  naught  of  him  shall  fail.     His  word 
Is  pass'd;  your  doom,  immutable,  is  fix'd; 
From  out  of  Jacob  shall  a  Star  arise, 
A  sceptre  shall  from  out  of  Israel  spring. 
Him  from  the  rocks  and  hill  tops  ye  shall  see, 
But  none  the  number  of  his  stock  may  tell. 
His  seed  shall  be  like  Jacob's,  as  the  stars, 
Innum'rous  as  the  sands  upon  the  shore. 
How  beautiful  thy  tabernacles  are, 

0  promised  Seed  !  How  dazzling  white  thy  tents  ! 
Like  wooded  vales,  like  water'd  gardens  near 
The  river's  brink,  or  cedars  by  their  side ; 

Or,  as  the  green  bay  tree,  the  Lord  doth  plant, 
Doth  plant  and  build,  build,  and  redeem  his  race, 
Which  now  forever  shall  abide ;  nor  more 
The  gates  of  hell  shall  over  them  prevail. 
Wide  as  the  world  extends  his  sway,  etern 
His  kingdom,  and  his  pow'r  supremely  great. 

1  hear  the  sound  of  this  victorious  King ; 
The  thunder  of  his  chariots  resounds ; 

I  see  the  light'ning  of  his  eye.     Behold ! 


KEDEMPTION.  61 

He  comes !  the  conqu'ring  King  of  glory  comes  ! 
His  standard  glimmers  in  the  sky,  the  hosts 
Of  heav'n  commingle  in  his  train,  and  earth 
Prepares  his  way.     The  hills  and  vales  rejoice, 
Floods  clap  their  hands,  and  nature  loud  acclaims. 
Like  the  young  lion  shall  he  seize  his  prey, 
Or  as  the  torrent  sweep  them  from  his  sight ; 
The  mightiest  of  your  chiefs,  he  dumb  shall  strike, 
And  scatter  all  your  bands,  or  melt  away 
As  glitt'ring  dew  before  the  morning  sun. 
Your  empire  now,  0  Satan,  is  destroy' d, 
For  out  of  Jacob  cometh  who  shall  rule; 
The  Rod  of  Isai,  who  his  foes  destroys. 
Back  to  your  dens,  ye  demons;  nor,  envious, 
More  delude  the  sons  of  men,  if  't  may  be, 
Th'  impending  ruin  hov'ring  o'er  your  heads, 
Ye  still  may  shun,  or  'scape  increase  of  wrath. 
Mine  eye  shall  see  him,  but,  alas !  from  far ; 
Mine  eye  behold  him,  but  to  meet  his  scorn. 
Oh  !  that  my  soul  had  lived  the  just  man's  life, 
That  my  last  ending  might  have  been  as  his, 
Nor  I  tormented  in  these  seething  flames." 

Incens'd,  the  devils  heard  his  plaintive  voice, 
And  threaten'd  vengeance  on  the  daring  seer; 
But,  bent  on  higher  quarry,  heeding  not 
The  sure  presage,  swift,  earthward  wing'd  their  way. 


THE  END  OP  THE  SECOND  BOOK. 


TIIE 


THIRD   BOOK 


AR  G  UMENT. 


The  Almighty,  from  his  heavenly  throne,  views  the  motions  of  the 
Satanic  hosts,  and  vindicates  his  providence  towards  them,  and  to 
wards  the  human  race.  Gabriel  is  withdrawn  from  his  post  of 
guardian,  whilst  Satan  is  permitted  to  essay  with  temptations  the 
integrity  of  the  second  Eve.  He  approaches  her  under  various 
forms  and  circumstances,  but  is  discovered,  repulsed,  and  finally 
crushed  beneath  her  sacred. foot.  Having  triumphantly  sustained 
every  trial,  Mary  is  proclaimed  worthy  to  be  the  Mother  of  Jesus 
Christ,  the  second  Adam.  Gabriel,  by  divine  command,  again 
returns  to  his  charge,  and  announces  to  her  that  she  is  ordained, 
through  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  to  beget  the  Redeemer. 
The  Incarnation. 


IRE  ID  E  3VE  FTIO  !M_ 


BOOK  III. 

Th'  omniscient  Father,  bending  from  his  throne, 
Beheld  alantem  all  the  powers  of  hell, 
Their  number  scann'd,  their  rage,  and  base  intent; 
Then,  turning  tow'rds  the  Son,  who  sat  enthroned 
At  his  right  hand,  beaming  with  grace,  he  spake : 

"  Beloved  Son,  see  how  these  hounds  of  hell, 
Astrict  with  angor,  yet  untaught,  but  seek 
Anew  to  heap  fresh  wrath  upon  their  heads; 
And  seeming  know  not,  that  because  I  choose 
To  leave  man  free,  to  will,  or  not  to  will, 
My  service  to  embrace,  and  their  own  doom 
Suspend,  my  stern  arret  still  o'er  them  hangs. 
Free,  I  have  left  them,  to  do  well  or  ill ; 
Free,  th'  others  left  to  tempt,  and  yet,  full  pow'r 
Have  given  man  their  tempting  to  withstand, 
That  their  deserts  might  on  themselves  depend, 
Though  not  as  of  themselves,  but  as  by  grace. 
Had  I  free  will  denied  them,  and  the  pow'r, 
To  choose  my  service,  or  reject,  no  value 
Their  allegiance  would  have,  depending  sole 
Upon  necessity;  and  thus  the  law 
Of  justice  clean  expunge;  since,  if  they  must 


66  REDEMPTION. 

Me  choose,  and  must  reject,  neither  reward 
Could  I  allot  to  these,  who  do  my  will, 
Nor  punishment  to  those,  who  me  despite. 
Free  then,  they  are,  and  shall  be,  till  the  term 
Of  man's  probation  end,  when  all  their  deeds, 
Their  words,  thoughts,  and  desires,  good  or  diverse, 
In  book  of  everlasting  truth  engraved, 
Shall  be  array'd  before  them,  and  none  plead 
Necessity,  but  choice;  and  thus  from  out 
Their  own  mouths  justified  be,  or  condemn'd, 
And  thence  unalterably  fix'd  their  state. 
So  the  first  pair  were  made,  so  all  the  race; 
So  second  Eve,  who  now  the  wrath  of  hell 
Excites.     Free  is  she,  like  the  rest,  to  stand 
Or  fall;  if  free,  then  able;  justice  this, 
As  much  as  free  will,  doth  enjoin ;  for  why 
Condemn,  if  without  pow'r  to  stand?    Or  how 
Commend  the  good  that  needs  must  be?    On  her 
Then,  full  endow' d  with  every  grace,  depends 
The  safety  of  mankind.     Should  she  succumb, 
*    No  more  my  justice  waits;  man's  doom  is  fix'd; 
His  free  probation  o'er,  the  world  is  lost. 
But  should  she  stand,  and  worthy  prove  to  yield 
That  stainless  seed,  which  I  accept,  indued 
By  thee,  as  perfect  sacrifice  for  sin, 
'Tis  well;  my  justice  is  appeased,  and  man 
Redeem'd.     Meanwhile  th'  angelic  guards  recall ; 
Bid  Gabriel  return,  and  let  her  stand 
Alone,  her  worthiness  to  prove,  that  none 
The  Father  charge  too  partial  to  the  race." 

He  ended,  when  the  Son  thus  mild  replied  : 

"  Father,  'tis  well:  just  are  thy  words;  she,  whom 


REDEMPTION.  67 

Thou  hast  permitted  me  to  make,  to  veil 
My  deity,  the  Godhead  to  incarn, 
Should  prove  her  worthiness  to  be  Mother 
Of  God ;  since  Mother,  such  degree  implies, 
Such  excellence  divine,  superior  state, 
And  nearness  to  thy  heav'nly  throne,  as  needs 
Must  raise  who  bears  so  great  renown, 
To  close  relationship  with  Thee  supreme — 
Daughter  of  God  the  Father,  Mother  of  God 
The  Son,  and  Spouse  of  God  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
Crown  of  the  human  race,  and  Queen  exalt 
O'er  archangelic  and  seraphic  thrones. 
Gladly  do  I  thy  high  behest  obey, 
With  joy  to  prove  this  crowning  work  is  good, 
Is  very  good,  and  faithful  will  withstand 
Th'  assaults  of  dev'lish  foes.     Her  have  I  made 
Immaculate,  furnish' d  with  every  grace, 
Inflamed  with  love  divine;  sufficient,  firm 
T  abide;  and  free,  to  prove  that  her  abiding 
Is  from  choice,  not  from  restraint  imposed 
By  an  inexorable,  stern  decree. 
As  were  the  heav'ns  made  pure,  thee  to  contain, 
So  made  I  her  replete  t'  embody  me; 
And  as  no  more  th'  ethereal  pow'rs  can  fail 
In  fealty  to  thee,  so  will  th'  event 
Still  prove,  my  earthly  tabernacle  true 
To  me,  exempt  from  every  stain,  of  thought, 
Of  body,  soul,  and  will;  to  me,  on  whom 
Redemption,  first,  chief,  last,  and  sole  depends/' 
So  spake  the  Son  of  God,  and  instant  call'd 
Th'  angelic  guardians  of  his  sacred  shrine, 
Back  to  the  temple  of  the  upper  sky. 


68  REDEMPTION. 

The  empyrean  thrill'd,  to  silence  waned, 

And  stood  attent,  to  see  redemption's  plan 

Evolved;  for  angels  not  the  future  know, 

Except  as  He  reveals  t'  whom  every  age, 

Past,  present,  and  to  come,  are  equal  known. 

Soft  they  refrain'd  their  harps,  hush'd  was  their  voice 

Of  song,  celestial  mirth  awhile  stood  still, 

And  deep  suspense  held  mute  the  heav'nly  choirs, 

Whilst  love  ineffable,  suffused  their  eyes, 

And  crystal  drops,  from  love's  pure  fount,  fell  fast 

And  free;  such  drops  as  but  the  angels  weep, 

When  most  they  love,  and  plead  for  erring  man; 

Free  showers  of  grace,  which  oft  the  Father  move, 

And  swift  incline  the  scales  to  mercy's  side; 

For  well  they  knew,  a  world's  salvation  hung, 

Upon  the  issue  of  the  coming  strife. 

Meanwhile,  the  grand  Anarch,  with  fraudful  force, 
Beset  the  earth ;  up  from  the  nadir  sprung, 
Aliferous,  with  all  his  dev'lish  crew; 
And,  like  some  comet,  from  whose  horrid  hair, 
War,  famine,  pestilence  and  death,  descend, 
So  he,  pestiferous,  not  less  in  length, 
Nor  with  less  speed  impell'd,  affright  and  woe 
Shook  from  his  deadly  train.     A  lurid  brume 
Oppress'd  th'  adusted  air,  aboding  ill 
And  deep  malignance  of  th'  approaching  foe. 
Some  quite  mistook  the  portent,  and  supposed, 
The  metamorphosed  soul  of  Caesar  had 
Return'd,  with  fire  and  vengeance  to  requite 
His  murder  on  the  brutal  throng  of  Rome; 
A  part  believed  it  messenger  of  heaVn, 
Dispatch' d  to  desolate  the  earth,  and  quite 


REDEMPTION.  69 

Dele  from  out  the  vast  empire  of  world's. 

But  many  knew  his  sign,  and  straight  betook 

Them  to  appeasing  rites,  the  influence 

Malignant  to  forefend;  nor  long  were  left 

In  doubt:  for,  now  the  foe  sejoin,  and  part, 

Wide  o'er  the  world  dispers'd,  swarm  through  the  air, 

Irnpregn  the  earth  thick  as  autumnal  leaves, 

And  likest  seem'd,  if  any  eye  beheld, 

To  bands  of  locusts,  which  the  burning  wind, 

Invoked  by  Moses,  over  all  the  coasts 

Of  Egypt,  innumerable  brought  up, 

Keen  to  devour  and  desolate  the  land. 

A  part,  diverse,  the  oracles  invade, 

And  ululate  their  dark  prophetic  lies, 

Or  fill  the  caves  and  groves,  where  witches  haunt, 

And  wizards,  their  incantations  t'  inspire. 

Some  hold  communion  direct  with  men, 

Besiege,  obsess,  possess,  imbue  their  minds 

With  every  vain  device,  and  strong  delude 

Not  to  perceive,  or  seeing,  not  confess 

Them  to  be  demons  'scaped  from  depths  of  hell. 

So  overspread  the  rapping  devils  now 

Th'  apostate  world;  since,  as  mankind  recede 

From  God,  and  sacred  truths  deride,  the  more 

Their  pow'r  resumes  its  sway,  and  hell's  empire, 

Though  held  astrict,  yet  unsubdued,  revives. 

The  rest,  a  force  immane,  nigh  half  of  hell, 

Battailous,  in  many  a  circuit  wide 

Hov'ring  awhile,  as  birds  of  prey,  before 

They  swoop  upon  some  unprotected  flock, 

Drop  sudden  from  the  air,  and  globus  swarm 

Within  Esdrela's  vale,  clog  every  tree, 

6* 


70  REDEMPTION. 

In  the  dense  boscage  hide,  o'erspread  the  plain, 
And  cover  all  the  ground.     So,  thickly  swarm 
Some  vagrant  hives  of  bees,  which,  when  escaped, 
Upon  the  neighb'ring  boughs,  each  th'  other  hugs, 
Till  clusters  thick  hang  pendent  to  the  ground; 
Or  so,  dull  ev'ning's  mists  o'er  wood  and  vale, 
Wide  spread  their  baleful  influence  round  each  cot, 
And  grimy  death  in  num'rous  shapes  conceal. 

Umbrageous  night  with  dusky  shades  had  spread 
Her  curtain  o'er  half  this  terraqueous  globe, 
When  Satan  stealthy  drew  his  hosts,  falcate, 
Around  the  Eden  of  our  only  hope, 
With  eager  caution,  whom  it  held  to  slay, 
Or  to  his  purposes  malign,  seduce. 
As  skilful  fowler  spreads  his  snares,  then  wide 
About  the  bushes  beats,  with  stealthy  step, 
To  drive  th'  unconscious  herd  within  his  toils, 
So  Satan  now  with  skill  deploy'd;  then  sped 
Alone,  to  reconnoiter  all  the  bounds, 
To  see  what  foe  he  might  expect  to  meet, 
And  with  what  numbers  he  might  have  to  cope; 
Or  if,  perchance,  by  accident  o'erlook'd, 
Some  point  accessible  might  be  assail'd, 
And  at  one  stroke  an  easy  conquest  gain'd. 
But  much  he  marvell'd,  every  avenue 
To  find  exposed.     Of  the  celestial  bands, 
Not  one  remain'd;  and  whereon  Gabriel  stood, 
With  all  his  glitt'ring  train,  (wide  space  and  free,) 
A  wilderness  of  roses,  fragrant  shrubs, 
With  nect'rous  fruits  and  scent  distilling  plants, 
Fresh  bloom'd,  soft  breathing  their  ambrosial  sweets 
Through  the  still  air;  essence,  concinous  once 


REDEMPTION. 

To  Satan's  sense,  acutely  train'd  for  such 

Delicious  fare;  but  odious  now,  averse, 

As  to  all  otter  good;  so,  sick'ning,  prone 

The  Dragon  fell,  and  on  his  belly  crept 

With  many  a  foul  contortion,  serpentine, 

Eructing  with  disgust,  such  surfeit  caused, 

To  his  perverted  taste,  th'  angelic  food. 

Escaped  at  last,  he  to  the  casement  drew, 

Where  second  Eve  reposed,  unconsciously 

Secure,  though  absent  all  her  watchful  guards, 

And  present  he,  who  her  destruction  sought. 

Such  vision  there  the  Devil  soon  beheld, 

As  ne'er  till  now  had  met  his  envious  gaze. 

Like  grace  and  beauty  naught  created  bore, 

In  all  the  wide  domain  of  nature's  worlds. 

Matchless  in  excellence,  unsullied,  pure, 

The  Mother  of  the  Maker  calm  reposed, 

Whilst  rays  of  light,  direct  from  throne  of  God, 

In  radiant  streams  effulgent  round  her  glow'd. 

Simplicity  and  guileless  innocence 

Beam'd  in  her  face,  her  royal  brow  bedight, 

And  held  the  Tempter  distant,  fill'd  with  awe. 

By  strange  propulsion  driven,  yet  withheld, 

He  paused,  advanced,  stood  still,  awhile  withdrew, 

As  admiration,  fear,  or  hate  intense, 

Controll'd  his  wav'ring  thoughts,  thus  various  urged: 

"  0  excellence  divine  !  0  hateful  sight ! 
Sight,  that  at  once  inflames  me  with  desire, 
And  yet  still  more  with  all-consuming  hate. 
This  Eve,  as  far  transcends  the  former  Eve, 
As  suns  transcend  in  glory  smallest  stars, 
Or  as  th'  archangel's  human  kind  excel. 


72  REDEMPTION. 

Now  I  perceive  both  how  and  with  what  skill, 

Our  Punisher  may  fill  our  place  in  heav'n. 

Here  lies  the  Mother  of  a  future  race, 

And  should  her  sons  as  far  outshine  the  sons 

Of  Adam's  loins,  as  she  all  creatures  now 

Excels,  then  farewell  victory;  farewell 

Long  hoped  revenge;  Heav'n  conquers,  hell  succumbs; 

Forever  hopeless  to  retrieve  our  state, 

Forever  doom'd  to  converse  with  despair. 

But  all  is  not  yet  lost;  the  world  is  ours, 

At  least  the  greater  part,  and  Heav'n  itself 

Affirms  me  prince  of  air.    Wherefore  ?  if  I, 

With  Heaven  coping  for  earth's  mastery, 

Or  rather,  Him  with  malice  to  despite, 

Have  not  Heav'n  overcome  ?    What  tho'  't  be  through 

Trick,  deceit  and  lies,  and  sly  inventions, 

Fitted  to  deceive?    I  conquer;  and  more 

Me  follow  than  to  him  subscribe.     Then  hail 

Inventions,  tricks,  deceit  and  lies,  since  war, 

It  seems,  he  shuns;  else  why  retreat,  when  I, 

With  open  front,  advance  to  where  he  stood 

Just  now,  with  armed  guards,  and  leave  the  field, 

And  this  fair  bei'ng,  exposed  to  my  assaults  ?" 

So  mused  he,  hesitant,  with  thoughts  confused ; 
For  ravishment,  and  wonder,  awe  and  fear, 
Held  him  irresolute,  abash'd ;  but  more 
By  hate  impell'd,  than  held  by  these,  at  last, 
Intent  to  hover  o'er  her,  and  mislead 
Her  sleeping  fancy  to  forbidden  thoughts, 
To  thoughts  altivolant,  ambition,  pride, 
(As,  with  successful  aim,  he  poison'd  Eve,) 
Up  as  an  exhalation  he  arose; 


REDEMPTION.  73 

Like  that  which  nightly  o'er  some  marshy  ground, 

The  dubious  wayfarer,  uncertain  mocks, 

Moves  here  and  there,  as  suits  the  veering  breeze, 

Seems  partly  chance,  and  part  instinct  with  life. 

Thus  wafted  on  the  air,  and  aery-light, 

The  Devil  leaps  the  unprotected  fold 

Within ;  but,  back  as  suddenly  recoils, 

As  if  repell'd  by  some  superior  pow'r. 

So  an  elastic  ball,  forceful  impinged 

On  some  resisting  plane,  instant  rebounds, 

And  flies  with  equal  force  adverse  repell'd. 

Thrice  he  essays  to  reach  her  ear,  and  thrice 

Repulsed,  falls  back  astonish'd.     Innocence, 

Stronger  than  wall  of  adamant,  imbow'd 

Her  sacred  form,  defended  her  chaste  ear, 

And  kept  the  wily  Tempter  far  at  bay; 

Who  feels  how  impotent -his  pow'r,  how  vain 

His  toils  and  rage,  'gainst  her  superior  mold.  . 

Persistive,  he  renews  his  vain  assaults, 

And  still  rebuked,  gains  naught  but  fresh  chagrin. 

So  flits  the  moth  around  the  tap'ring  flame  ; 

Heedless,  it  plunges  in  the  dazzling  ray, 

Till,  sing'd  and  maim'd,  with  wings  and  legs  scorch'd  off, 

In  agony  it  falls,  and  hapless  lies. 

The  ruby  beams  of  blushing  morn  dispersed 
The  shades  of  night.     With  them,  dispirited, 
Subdued,  Satan  to  Esdrela  withdrew, 
To  ruminate  on  his  adventure  strange, 
And  re-concoct  how  he  might  new  assail, 
Or  with  what  weapons  temper  hoped  success. 
His  fellows  saw,  though  seeming  inattent, 
Their  chief  return  abash' d,  crestfallen,  low, 


74  REDEMPTION. 

And  silently  awaited  his  commands. 

But  he,  mistrusting  their  renew' d  disport, 

Slunk  off,  retired  apart,  and  wand'ring  up 

And  down  through  solitary  places,  damp 

And  dry,  sought  rest  for  his  perturbed  soul. 

With  the  first  blush  of  early  dawn,  awoke 

Th'  unsullied  handmaid  of  the  Lord,  rosy 

From  healthful  sleep,  with  innocence  embalm'd, 

Which  softly  fell,  like  dew  on  Hermon's  hill, 

And  seal'd  her  senses  with  its  gentle  sway, 

Unconscious  of  the  fiend,  and  undisturbed, 

Who  sought  his  venom  stealthy  to  instil ; 

Whilst  all  night  long,  the  whisp'ring  breeze,  soft  sounds 

Of  sweetest  minstrelsy,  brought  to  her  ear ; 

Or,  teeming  fancy  roam'd,  on  easy  wing, 

From  earth  to  heav'n,  where,  in  extatic  bliss, 

She  seem'd  t'  anticipate  the  joys,  reserved 

Forever  for  the  bless' d,  and  chief  for  her, 

Supreme  the  bless' d  among;  nor  woke,  until 

The  nightingale,  which,  through  the  silent  hours 

Perpetual  warbled  in  her  ear,  had  ceased 

With  early  dawn  its  constant  lay.     Then,  blithe 

And  free,  she  rose,  her  heart  still  lingering 

Within  the  skies,  and  thus  her  Maker  hymn'd : 

"  Father  of  Israel,  and  God  supreme 
O'er  all,  to  thee,  my  waking  thoughts  aad  vows, 
My  morn  and  ev'ning  sacrifices  rise. 
As  pants  the  heart  for  cooling  streams,  so  longs 
My  soul,  0  God,  for  thee.     Anchor  of  hope, 
And  brightness  of  my  joy,  to  thee  I  look, 
On  thee  my  soul  depends,  to  thee  my  prayer, 
As  incense'  sweet  perfume,  ascends. 


REDEMPTION.  75 

All  that  I  have,  all  that  I  hope,  or  am, 

Is  solely  from  thy  grace  derived,  to  thee 

Belongs,  to  thee  returns ;  so,  as  the  source, 

The  infinite  abyss,  which  all  resorbs. 

Omniscient  Father,  thou  whose  sleepless  eye, 

Dost  all  things  see,  dost  all  things  know;  thou,  who 

Infinitude  of  space  dost  fill,  and  midst 

A  universe  of  worlds,  revolving  round 

Thy  throne,  that  ever  sing  thy  praise,  dost  yet 

Behold  the  lowly  things  of  earth,  vouchsafe 

Upon  thy  chosen  race  to  look  and  smile. 

From  morning  watch,  till  dewy  eve,  Israel 

Still  looks  to  thee,  still  lifts  her  hands,  her  voice, 

Her  prayers ;  to  thee  sends  up  her  mournful  cry. 

God,  our  Redeemer,  sure  and  steadfast  friend, 

How  long  thy  coming  shall  we  yet  await  ? 

When  shall  that  Prophet,  promised  long,  arise  ? 

Or  when  that  city,  founded  by  thy  hand, 

Whereof  the  ancients  glorious  things  have  sung, 

Be  with  that  one  Man  bless'd,  whom  Sion  hopes 

And  of  whom  sages  wond'rous  works  foretell  ? 

Say,  for  thou  know'st,  whom  rev' rent  we  adore, 

Whose  name  a  tower  of  strength  is,  'gainst  our  foes, 

What  time  shall  bring  our  great  Deliv'rer  forth, 

And  when  commence  th'  illustrious  Conqu'ror's  reign. 

Whom  have  we  in  the  heav'ns  but  thee  ?     On  earth, 

Than  thee,  none  else  do  we  desire.     Let  not 

Thy  chariot  wheels  delay,  whilst  day  by  day, 

Our  foes  reproachful  ask — Where  is  thy  God  ? 

We  know  that  our  Redeemer  lives  and  reigns; 

Therefore  thy  courts,  with  voice  of  joy  and  praise, 

Daily  our  footsteps  press ;  there  frequent  we 


76  REDEMPTION. 

Rejoice,  there  still  give  praise  to  thee,  alone 
Our  Hope,  our  strong  Salvation,  and  our  God." 

Swifter  than  arrow  from  the  strong  arm'd  bow, 
Or  than  the  eagle  in  its  heav'nward  flight, 
Flew  the  petition  of  the  spotless  Maid, 
Up  to  the  gates  of  heav'n,  acceptable. 
Heav'n's  portals,  opening  wide,  free  entrance  gave 
The  off'ring,  which,  as  sweetest  fragrance  rose, 
Ambrosia  scented,  grateful  to  the  Highest. 
As  thus  her  heart,  inflamed  with  love  divine, 
In  peaceful  joy  reposed  on  her  Beloved, 
Who  cent' red  all  her  thoughts,  desires  and  praise, 
So  did  her  hands  not  less  in  useful  toil 
Unite  to  do  Him  service,  and  to  make 
Him  free-will  off'rings,  pleasing  in  His  sight. 
Her  fingers  deftly  thus  the  distaff  ply, 
And  many'  a  wreath  of  dazzling  colors  spin. 
Now  golden  films  of  finest  texture  spring 
To  forms  of  matchless  beauty  'neath  her  touch ; 
Now  purple,  scarlet,  vi'let,  red  or  blue, 
As  each  in  turn  the  warp  or  weft  demands, 
With  varying  hues  surprising  art  display ; 
But  chief  her  skill  Pelusian  white  employs, 
Whose  fleecy  threads  still  sparkle  as  they  roll, 
And  spotless  glisten  as  new  fallen  snow. 
Surpassing  beauty  triumphs  in  her  works, 
As  o'er  Sidonian  loom  her  broider'd  arts 
She  plies,  and  fabrics  rise  of  varied  grace, 
With  labyrinths  of  flowers  intertwined, 
Or  words  of  mystic  Tephilim  portray' d. 

Hers  was  by  lot  the  purple  woof  to  spin, 
The  Holiest  of  Holies  to  adorn. 


REDEMPTION.  77 

Bounded  her  heart  with  infinite  delight, 
Loud  hymns  of  rapture  trembled  on  her  tongue, 
And  beams  of  joy  suffused  her  glowing  cheeks. 
Thus  happy,  buskly  flew  the  busy  wheel, 
Till  reels  of  sanguinary  hue  reward 
Her  pious  toil.     The  beauteous  fabric  soon 
Bedights  the  loom,  beamy  with  radiant  dyes, 
With  gold,  and  white,  and  red,  enamel'd  o'er. 
Pleased,  she  surveys  the  wonderous  design, 
As  swiftly  'neath  her  practiced  hand  it  grew; 
Then  raised  her  fulgent  eye  in  silent  praise 
To  whence  all  beauty  comes,  all  harmony, 
All  skill ;  whether  of  mighty  moving  spheres, 
The  bow  of  promise  that  dispans  the  skies, 
Or  variegated  hues  that  deck  the  flowers, 
Or  sparkle  in  the  handy-works  of  man. 
Whilst  thus  her  thoughts  responsive  to  her  task, 
With  genial  pleasure  constant  glow,  and  still 
Fresh  themes  of  praise  excite,  loud  thunder  racks 
The  sky,  sudden  invades  the  fretted  air, 
And  dread  reverberates  along  the  ground. 
As  sudden,  cloth' d  in  dazzling  white,  with  wings 
In  iris  dipp'd,  cerulian,  green  and  gold, 
A  seraph  visible  before  her  stands. 
Agile  of  limb,  at  ease,  with  feigned  grace, 
The  Tempter  seem'd ;  but,  ill  advised,  breaks  forth  : 
"  Goddess  divine  !  Empress  of  heaven  and — " 
She  heard  no  more ;  not  scarcely  this ;  but  fled 
Amazed ;  that  instant  fled ;  by  instinct  taught, 
And  innate  virtue  led ;  not  as  before 
An  unaccustom'd  sight,  for  angels  oft 
To  her  from  heav'n  brought  messages  of  love, 


78  REDEMPTION. 

And  often,  in  celestial  dalliance, 
Disported  with  her,  as  in  Paradise 
"With  Eve;  but  at  the  unaccustom'd  words, 
Which  strong  of  first  Eve's  Tempter  this  bespoke, 
Leading  to  thoughts  unseemly,  vain  desires, 
And  pride,  the  sure  precursor  of  a  fall ; 
Whilst  something  in  his  visage  caused  her  dread, 
Some  trace  of  passion,  anger,  ill  conceal'd 
Beneath  the  semblance  of  angelic  form, 
And  foreign  to  the  grace  of  heav'nly  bred. 
Enraged,  the  Devil  saw  the  virgin  fly, 
Fain  to  have  follow' d,  his  fierce  spite  to  wreck 
On  her  corporeal,  so  burn'd  his  wrath 
Inane ;  but  power  superior  restrain'd. 
So,  when  he  tempted  righteous  Job,  Satan 
Had  power  o'er  Sabean  and  Chaldean  bands, 
O'er  winds  and  storms,  o'er  pestilential  breath, 
O'er  samiel  blasts,  and  light'nings  of  the  heav'ns; 
But  still  the  edict  stood — Touch  not  his  life, 
Nor  put  thy  hand  upon  his  sacred  form. 
So  turn'd  he  from  the  field  of  his  depulse, 
Knowing  full  well  that  all  his  powers  were  vain, 
Unless  the  will  of  whom  he  sought,  facile, 
His  own  obeys,  yielding  its  free  consent; 
Temptation  to  the  tempted,  when  withstood, 
Inuring  good,  sole  to  the  tempter  harm. 

As  when  beleaguer' d  towns,  with  well  built  walls, 
And  towers  impregnable,  are  vain  assail' d 
With  enginery  of  war,  or  fierce  onslaught 
Of  the  embattled  foe,  (arts  emanant 
From  hell,)  some  skilful  miners  delve  beneath 
The  soil,  and  through  the  disembowel' d  earth 


REDEMPTION.  79 

Make  treach'rous  way  within  the  fated  lines ; 

So  now,  averted  from  direct  assault, 

Satan,  oblique  essays  to  spring  his  mines 

With  sly  surreption,  and  attain  his  aim, 

That  else,  sore  press'd,  seein'd  e'er  to  mock  him,  foil'd. 

With  such  intent,  choice  spirits,  not  inept, 

Who  jacent  all  the  while  reposed,  he  soon 

Deploy'd,  and  sent,  with  zeal  icarean 

Inclined,  on  various  messages  of  ill. 

Some  ruled  the  winds,  and  ready  stood  to  sweep 

Impetuous  down  amain,  with  fury  arm'd, 

To  pour  o'er  land  and  sea;  some,  pestilence, 

And  noxious  vapors  breath'd,  exhaling  death; 

Those  hurl'd  the  forked  light' ning  through  the  air, 

Or  deluged  earth  with  rain,  or  blew  the  clouds 

Afar  and  parch'd  with  heat  the  fertile  ground; 

These  kindled  subterranean  fires,  and  heaved 

Tumultuous,  with  fearful  sounds,  the  plains. 

But,  in  abeyance,  all  their  powers  he  held, 

And  kept  astrict  until,  his  plans  disposed, 

He  gave  their  baleful  forces  scope.     Meanwhile, 

With  steady  bent,  he  plies  the  Virgin's  kin ; 

In  dreams  by  night  misleads  their  vagrant  thoughts, 

By  day  inflames  their  hopes  with  vaulting  schemes, 

And  vain  ambition's  incohative  fires. 

Deem  not  the  project  trivial,  or  beneath. 

His  care ;  for,  so  the  Tempter  tempted  Eve — 

Eat,  and  become  as  gods,  know  good  and  ill; 

So  after,  tempted  he  the  Son  of  God — 

The  kingdoms  of  the  earth  to  thee  I'll  give, 

If  thou  wilt  bend  the  knee  and  me  adore ; 

And  every  heart  of  man,  he  thus  inflames, 


80  REDEMPTION. 

Altivolant  with  pride,  his  darling  sin. 

The  Devil  saw  from  far  and  silent  stood, 

Whilst  his  unconscious  instruments,  their  arts, 

To  sap  the  virtue  of  th'  Immaculate, 

Employ'd.     Meekly  she  heard  them  plead,  dilate, 

Prefer,  her  lineage  of  a  royal  race  j 

From  arguments  nasute,  illation  draw, 

That  she  should  aim  their  royal  house  to  raise, 

And  save  the  people,  as  did  Shushan's  queen, 

The  daughter  of  the  son  of  Jair,  whom  he, 

Who  reign'd  from  India's  coasts  to  Ethiop's  verge, 

From  lowly,  raised  to  Vasthi's  lofty  throne. 

Boteless  they  plead,  her  peerless  beauty  urge, 

The  throne  of  Juda  prostrate  at  her  feet, 

And  Juda's  princes  longing  for  her  hand ; 

Then  branded  her  as  barren,  Juda's  shame. 

"  Youth,  beauty,  wealth  and  valor,"  so  they  urged, 

"  With  zeal  impetuous  now  await  thy  choice ; 

The  mighty  ones  of  Israel  claim  thy  hand  j 

India  seeks,  with  all  its  wealth,  to  deck 

Thy  queenly  form ;  the  gems  of  Iran  glow, 

And  Egypts  pearls  are  sparkling  for  thy  hair, 

Whilst  Persia  lays  her  treasures  at  thy  feet." 

Such  were  the  themes  which  daily  were  renew'd, 

And  daily  sway'd  them  in  their  vain  attempts, 

Unconscious  whose  inspirings  they  obey'd. 

Oft  were  their  efforts  skilfully  disposed, 

But  still  as  oft  the  Virgin  them  repell'd. 

With  look  enravish'd,  fasten'd  on  the  skies, 

Her  hands  upon  her  spotless  breast  enclasp'd, 

And  meek,  in  smiling  ecstasy  enrapt, 

She  gave  but  this  response  to  their  appeals : 


REDEMPTION.  81 

"  Oh  !  yes,  I  am,  and  must  be  thus  betroth'd, 
To  one  of  Juda's  Princes ;  One,  who  hath 
Already  pledged  me  with  his  love,  adorn'd 
Me  with  his  jewels,  set  my  hands  with  rings, 
And  hung  my  neck  about  with  priceless  pearls. 
See  ye  the  spotless  veil  adorns  my  head  ? 
It  is  the  sign,  which  my  Beloved  there 
Hath  placed,  to  show  that  I  on  none  but  him 
May  look.     Lead  me  to  Him,  whom  my  soul  loves, 
Sun  of  my  life,  and  brightness  of  my  joy; 
More  ruddy  than  the  morn,  brighter  than  day, 
More  comely  far  than  all  the  sons  of  men. 
His  left  hand  is  beneath  my  head,  his  right, 
Embraces  me  with  all  sustaining  pow'r. 
Arise,  make  haste,  my  love,  my  dove,  and  come ; 
Show  me  thy  face,  and  let  me  hear  thy  voice. 
Thy  voice  is  music  to  my  ear,  thy  face, 
More  beautiful  than  brightest  beams  of  day. 
He  is  for  me  alone ;  and  I  for  him 
A  garden  am  enclosed,  a  fountain  seal'd, 
None  else  may  enter  there  and  be  refresh'd. 
Come  from  Libanus,  come,  my  spouse,  my  love, 
I'll  crown  thee  on  the  top  of  Amana, 
On  Sanir,  and  on  Hermon's  dewy  hill. 
Blow  Zephyrus,  Favonius  blow,  and  waft 
To  me  the  breath  of  him  I  love;  his  breath 
Is  sweeter  than  the  dropping  myrrh,  than  milk 
And  honey,  or  the  honey-comb;  sweeter 
Than  aromatic  plants,  and  rich  perfumes; 
His  form  more  stately  than  Libanus'  pines, 
His  love  more  precious  than  the  finest  gold. 
Oh !  daughters  of  Jerusalem !  I,  you 

7* 


82  REDEMPTION. 

Adjure,  if  my  Beloved  ye  do  see, 
Ye  tell  him  that  I  languish  for  his  love. 
For  him  alone  am  I,  and  he  for  me ; 
Him  only  can  I  love;  for  him  I  sigh." 

Her  mystic  words'  import,  the  Devil  knew, 
Knew  more  than  she  conceived,  or  fain  could  hope, 
And  felt  that  all  was  lost;  felt,  but  obdure, 
His  enmity  piacular  pursues; 
Lets  loose  to  whom  it  given  was  to  slay 
With  sword  and  famine,  pestilence  and  war, 
With  earthquake's  shock,  volcano's  threat'ning  storm. 
Thick,  at  his  bidding,  grew  the  dusky  air, 
Obscured  with  clouds,  muttering  sullen  wrath, 
And  'midst  th'  incessant  flash  of  sulph'rous  fires, 
Pour'd  furiously  in  torrents  floods  of  rain. 
The  gath'ring  waters  sweep  o'er  all  the  plains, 
And  leave  no  vestige  of  the  sacred  spot, 
Where  stood  the  Eden  of  the  Undefiled. 
Joachim  and  his  spouse,  bereft,  had  fled, 
And  in  the  precincts  of  blest  Sion's  hill, 
Obscure  abiding  found,  but  not  repose. 
To  storms  succeeded  drought;  gaunt  famine,  this; 
To  famine,  pestilence,  which  laid  them  low, 
A  prey  to  Satan's  fell,  devouring  wrath. 
But  still  th'  unspotted  Virgin  calm  reposed, 
And  through  the  fearful  ordeal  pass'd  untouch'd. 
So  Job  beheld  the  winds  and  fires  of  heav'n 
Destroy,  and  foes  lay  waste,  his  earthly  hopes, 
And  murmur'd  not,  but  bow'd  beneath  the  rod. 
Secure,  within  the  temple's  sacred  courts, 
The  consecrated  Alma  found  a  home, 
Until  the  budding  rod  of  Joseph,  clear 


REDEMPTION.  83 

Portray'd  him,  poor  and  old,  the  virgin  spouse 

To  be,  and  patriarch  of  the  newer  law; 

A  virgin  spouse  alone  befitting  her, 

Who,  virgin  ever,  so  decreed,  should  be. 

More  blessed  he,  who,  pure,  his  virgin  state 

Preserved,  and  held  her  sacred  vow  intact; 

Who,  as  unsullied  to  his  care  she  came, 

Unsullied  kept,  and  yielded  thus  to  heav'n. 

Renew'd  defeat,  the  Devil's  spite  anew  inflames; 

Inflames  proportionate  to  his  chagrin. 

Aloft,  in  middle  air,  enraged  he  sits, 

Outside  the  colures,  where,  at  fixed  point, 

Without  disturb  from  gravitating  force, 

He,  ruminant,  at  length  thus  vents  his  spleen: 

"  Profoundest  hell !  hast  thou,  in  all  thy  depths, 
Worse  punishment  than  this?    I,  who  have  fought 
With  princedoms,  thrones,  archangels,  powers,  and  ne'er 
Before  created  aught  did  fly,  do  here 
Before  this  fragile  thing  retreat,  abash'd! 
Hell !  hast  thou  seen  my  shame  ?  and  wilt  thou  own 
Thy  lord,  first  relegate  from  heav'n,  and  now 
From  earth  ?    For,  if  I  reign  not  conqu'ror  there, 
Where  weakest  dwell,  who  'rnong  superiors 
Will  own  my  sway,  or  arm  at  my  command? 
This  then  the  working  is  of  His  grand  plan ; 
This  the  fulfillment  of  the  promise  made; 
And  this  the  Woman,  that  shall  crush  my  head. 
Disrupted  from  above,  and  quite  cast  out, 
Condemn'd  to  converse  with  our  pains  in  hell, 
Awhile  let  loose  for  Heav'n's  disport  and  man's, 
And  now,  beneath  the  foot  of  woman  crush'd ! 
Oh !  infamous  defeat !  ignoble  rout ! 


84  REDEMPTION. 

Thou  canst  not  Heav'n,  inflict  a  deadlier  pang!" 

Whilst  thus,  dispirited,  the  Devil  moans, 
His  eye  pervasive  scans  earth's  rolling  sphere, 
Hung  as  a  brilliant  in  the  starry  cope, 
With  belts  of  rosy  light  enamel'd  o'er; 
Beholds  its  surface  glowing  in  the  sun, 
Reflecting  as  a  mirror  all  his  beams. 
With  ardent  gaze,  and  circumspection  fell, 
The  tempter  o'er  the  passing  landscape  hangs, 
From  arctic  to  antarctic,  every  zone, 
Each  latitude  and  longitude,  surveys; 
Views  Afric's  glitt'ring  sands  and  golden  coasts, 
To  their  extremest  verge  by  cape  of  Hope, 
And  all  the  plains  o'er  which  the  Nilus  flows; 
The  hills  and  fields  of  proud  Europa  gleans, 
With  all  their  cereal  treasures  rich  imbrown'd , 
Roams  with  elated  eye  o'er  Taurian  hills, 
Along  Imaus  to  the  farthest  bounds 
Of  aureate  Chersonesus,  befoul'd 
With  blood  of  strangers,  sacrificed;  from  thence, 
On  either  side,  dilating  those  glad  slopes 
By  Obi,  Lena,  Rha  and  Indus,  wash'd, 
And  where  the  Ganges  and  Euphrates  flow; 
Thence,  with  wide  sweep,  o'er  unplough'd  seas,  to  lands, 
Well  known  to  him,  long  ere  Hispania's  son 
Boldly  essay'd,  adventurous  the  main, 
To  Montezuma's  golden  gates,  and  thence, 
To  where  the  Oregonian  steppes,  eastward 
Lead  on  to  fertile  plains,  and  inland  seas, 
Like  pearls  on  silver  thread  continuous  strung, 
From  Chippeway  to  where  the  Made'waskas 
Long  time,  with  rites  demonic,  him  adored, 


REDEMPTION.  85 

And  where  Niagara  its  glitt'ring  gems, 

And  diamond  spray,  impetuous  pours 

From  Eries'  em'rald  bed.     Thence  coasting  south, 

Through  Mississippi's  florid  vale,  he  eyes, 

With  rapid  glance,  fair  Amazon's  rich  fields; 

An  empire  vast,  adorn'd  with  precious  stones, 

And  wealth  excelling  all  Golconda's  mines, 

Or  fabled  stores;  whose  founts  and  healing  streams 

Perennial  flow,  endow'd  with  virtue's  rare, 

Rare  and  more  rich  than  all  their  precious  gems, 

Or  mines,  aurate  or  argent,  treach'rous  soil; 

Lands,  which  the  Tncas  rule,  where  redmen  roam, 

The  savage  lords  of  fairest  heritage, 

O'er  whom  supreme,  through  untold  ages,  he 

Had  reign'd,  and  undivided  worship  sway'd. 

Intent,  with  close  inspection,  next  he  gloats 

O'er  parts  most  populous,  the  busy  marts, 

Cities  and  towns,  where  multitudes  before 

Him  bow,  direct  invoke,  or  indirect, 

Through  Mammon's,  Ashteroth's  incestuous, 

Or  Bacchus'  lewd,  or  Moloch's  bloody  rites; 

In  every  clime  views  temples  to  him  rise, 

With  priests  and  vestals  to  his  service  train'd, 

And  hecatombs  of  victims  pour  their  blood, 

With  dev'lish  rites  o'er  the  unhallow'd  ground; 

On  hill-tops  in  the  face  of  heav'n,  or  deep 

The  groves  within,  their  full  libations  flow, 

Whilst  rough,  hoarse  cries  with  rude  accomp'niments, 

Make  hideous  the  air,  incessant  rack'd. 

Sees  all  his  busy  ministers,  employ'd 

With  zeal  uncessant  at  the  heart  of  man, 

To  blind  his  sense  and  cause  to  thread  the  maze 


86  REDEMPTION. 

Of  error's  pleasing,  flatt'ring,  woeful  paths. 
Sees  Sin,  and  Sin's  dark  shadow,  Death,  imprint 
Their  baleful  mark  on  all  that  live  and  move; 
On  all,  save  her,  who  ne'er  the  imprint  knew. 
Sev'n  times  the  space  that  measures  day  and  night, 
As  on  its  axis  turns  the  moving  ball, 
The  Devil  views  his  mundane  kingdoms  pass 
Beneath  his  eye.     Dilate  with  pride,  now  mount 
His  spirits  high,  as  low  before  they  fell. 
No  more  the  bold  usurper  fears  defeat; 
Adverse  to  fate,  his  guilty  bosom  swells, 
And  thus  grandiloquent  vaunts  new  emprise : 

"  God  of  this  world  am  I!  earth's  emperor; 
Prince  of  th'  air.     What  though  his  power  created  ? 
My  prowess  won ;  and,  spite  of  all  his  gods, 
Divided  empire  sheer  with  him  I  hold. 
He  rules  the  heavens.     I  rule  the  earth;  and  all 
Earth's  myriads  feal  submit  to  me. 
On  all  that  live  and  move  my  signet's  placed, 
By  paction  seal'd,  my  victims  here  to  serve; 
Hereafter  for  my  sport,  when  penal  fires 
Shall  pour  their  luctual  waves  o'er  them  deceived. 
His  empire  is  eternal?    Be  it  so; 
And  why  not  mine?    Hath  he  not  tried  his  best 
Us  to  annihilate,  and  fail'd,  enerved? 
But  why  not  Adam's  race  eternal  too  ? 
Whose  procreative  power  alone  depends 
Upon  itself,  and  may,  for  aught  yet  known, 
With  onward  aim,  cresive  improve,  until 
It  emulate  the  gods,  and  join'd  with  ours, 
It  may  be,  innumerable  invade 
The  blest  abodes,  and  cast  them  out,  who  us 


REDEMPTION.  87 

Extrude;  with,  force  congested  occupy 
His  throne  and  evitate  our  future  pains, 
Eternal  hoped,  though  long  till  it  arrive. 
Perhaps  some  happier  venture  than  the  rest, 
May  taint  the  excellence  which  I  abhor. 
If  she  be  sullied  with  but  slightest  stain, 
The  work's  accomplish'd,  and  again  I  win." 

So  saying,  from  his  lofty  perch  he  swoops; 
And,  as  a  vulture,  soaring  in  the  sky, 
Invisible  from  earth,  his  quarry  views. 
With  sense  unerring,  in  concentric  rings, 
Wide  spread,  hov'ring  o'er  th'  unsuspecting  prey, 
The  spirit  malign,  with  wing  repress'd,  hangs 
O'er  the  Eden,  where  anew  imbower'd, 
The  faithful  Virgin  sheds  the  odor  sweet, 
Of  primal  innocence  by  grace  embalm'd, 
And  cast  about  him  with  what  new  deceit, 
To  cloak  his  fell  design,  so  oft  repell'd. 

The  mystic  Rose,  herself  the  fairest  flower 
The  flowers  among,  serene  her  floral  task 
Pursued,  which,  rosy  morn,  and  dewy  eve, 
Her  willing  feet  e'er  led  amidst  the  banks 
Of  rich  anemone,  whose  varied  hues, 
Blend  purple,  yellow,  white  and  red;  whilst  rose, 
Carnation,  lily,  hyacinth,  jonquil, 
Their  cups  with  morning  dew  suffused,  afresh 
Impart  their  fragrance  to  the  balmy  air. 
Nor  less  the  clust'ring  vines  invite  her  skill, 
To  curb  their  wanton  growth,  their  tendrils  twine, 
Which  gladlier  spring  and  sweeter  scents  diffuse, 
Pruned  by  her  hand  and  subject  to  her  care. 
So  every  shrub,  and  plant,  and  rarest  tree, 


88  REDEMPTION. 

With  luscious  fruit,  pleasing  to  taste  or  smell, 

Weigh'd  down,  and  smiling  berry  which  the  heart 

Delights,  or  spirits  cheers,  their  burdens  yield 

More  pleased  to  her,  than  the  fruit-bearing  earth 

E'er  paid  its  tribute  to  that  rural  maid, 

Who  taught,  'tis  said,  Triptolemus  to  sow 

And  reap,  and  cause  the  fruitless  trees  to  bear. 

Or  than  to  first  of  florists,  Eve,  who  long 

In  Eden  grateful  pastime  took,  amidst 

Its  fruitful  glens,  its  flow'ring  meads  and  vales, 

When  fruits  and  flowers  first  issued,  fresh  and  fair, 

From  the  all-plastic  Hand;  and  who,  with  sighs 

And  weeping,  was,  through  her  own  frailty,  forced 

To  take  a  last  and  long  farewell  of  walks 

And  shades,  and  happy  bowers,  that  could  not  bear 

The  taint  of  sinful  breath,  but  wither'd  now 

At  her  approach,  who,  by  her  one  sad  fault, 

Had  grafted  death  upon  their  verdant  stems. 

Not  so  the  pruning  of  the  stainless  Maid, 

In  whom  fair  Eden's  purity  and  bloom 

Revive  afresh,  nor  faintest  tainture  know. 

Her  task  disposed,  she  culls  the  fairest  flowers, 

And  on  a  bank,  by  od'rous  myrtles  crown'd, 

Sits  weaving  chaplets,  deck'd  with  purest  rays ; 

A  wond'rous  work,  with  graceful  fillets  twined. 

The  mazy  wreath  but  one  pure  gem  requires 

To  crown  its  beauty,  its  perfection  seal, 

A  fragrant  lily,  from  whose  snowy  cup, 

The  breath  of  sweet  simplicity  exhales. 

Elate  with  joy,  and  tripping  on  secure, 

She  seeks  her  fav'rite  emblem  of  the  vale. 

Her  motive,  hov'ring  near,  the  Tempter  caught, 


REDEMPTION.  89 

And  spied  the  flower,  which  her  attention  drew. 

An  insect,  coil'd  within  its  bell,  reposed, 

Apt  to  his  purpose,  more  than  hoped,  so  found. 

Not  pausing,  quick,  from  great  to  smallest  size, 

(So  spirits  may,  or  small,  large,  thin,  or  dense, 

Or  rare,  as  suits  them  best,)  he  him  contracts, 

And  creeps  insidiously  its  folds  within. 

The  Virgin,  yet  unconscious  of  the  snare, 

The  lily  plucks,  and  seeks  its  fragrant  breath, 

When  from  its  depths  arose  faint,  murm'ring  sounds; 

And  words,  or  seeming  words,  (for  nought  the  sense 

Intelligential  heard,)  salute  her  ear. 

Instinctive  arm'd,  alert,  instant  the  flower 

With  its  deceit,  she  hurls  upon  the  ground. 

Swelling  with  rage  the  reptile  grows,  involved 

In  many  a  tortuous  fold  beneath 

Her  foot  immaculate,  courageously 

With  which,  she  crush'd  the  wily  Serpent's  head, 

And  final  triumph'd  o'er  her  mortal  foe. 

Earth  felt  the  joy  the  Virgin's  vict'ry  gave, 
And  bounded  blithely  on  her  circling  course; 
Her  seas  rejoice,  her  hills  and  valleys  smile, 
And  Nature  gaudful  shouts  aloud  her  praise. 
Nor  less  the  heav'ns,  the  while  hung  in  suspense, 
Refrain  to  join  with  earth's,  their  higher  praise, 
Or  hold,  suffused  with  blissful  joy,  to  strike 
Their  harps  of  burnish'd  gold.     Prostrate  before 
The  throne,  they  halleluiahs  sing,  and  Him, 
Who  sits  thereon,  holy  and  true,  adore; 
Whilst  fragrant  incense,  prayers  of  all  the  saints, 
Ambrosia  scented,  fresh  from  tree  of  life, 
Which  but  th'  eternal  plains  of  heav'n  exhale, 


90  REDEMPTION. 

Arose  acceptable  through  heav'n's  glad  vault. 
When,  to  the  Father,  smiling,  thus  the  Son : 

"Father,  it  is  enough;  what  further  ask? 
In  every  trial,  victrix,  she  prevails; 
O'er  our  immitigable  foe,  prevails, 
And  fills  the  measure  of  thy  just  demand — 
A  perfect  Mother,  fit  for  perfect  Son ; 
Flesh,  that  the  Deity  may  well  incarn, 
Purer  than  heav'n,  exempt  from  every  stain. 
Lo !  I  descend  to  clothe  me  with  her  flesh, 
To  do  thy  will,  redemption's  plan  perfect, 
And  pay  the  penalty  of  forfeit  life." 

Inclining  tow'rds  the  Son  with  answ'ring  smile, 
The  Father  acquiesced,  and  gave  the  sign, 
Which  bade  the  guardian  seraph,  with  his  host, 
Resume  his  charge,  and  hail  their  favor'd  Queen. 
Swift  as  the  mandate  thus  to  him  convey'd, 
Gabriel  earthward  speeds  his  arrowy  way, 
Fraught  with  such  message  as  before  from  heav'n 
To  aught  created,  ne'er  had  been  vouchsafed. 
The  sun's  glad  beams  smile  in  the  west, 
And  evening's  shades  in  lengthen'd  stature  fall, 
As  onward  fly  the  messengers  of  light, 
Winged  with  love,  impatient  to  announce 
The  joyful  tidings,  Grace  imparts  to  man. 
Their  hosts  were  panoplied  for  peace  or  war; 
The  peaceful  sons  of  men,  with  peace  to  crown, 
With  dition  arm'd,  th'  infernal  pow'rs  to  quell, 
And  shield  the  faithful  Virgin  from  their  snares. 
Cadent,  in  myriads,  they  fall,  as  when 
The  heav'ns  rain  stars,  and  ether's  blue 
Glows  with  the  show'ry  worlds,  in  silver  dipp'd, 


REDEMPTION.  91 

Or  gold,  gemboss'd  with  various  rays,  brighter 
Than  when  the  bow  of  promise  copes  the  skies. 
Th'  horizon  gleams  with  their  unwonted  fires, 
Which  night  defer,  and  new  prolong  the  day. 
The  demons  see,  and  know  the  presage  giv'n 
Adverse  to  them,  nor  further  sign  await, 
But  in  disgraceful  rout  draw  off,  and  flee 
Impetuous ;  with  rage  ferine,  seek  safe 
Retreat  in  dens  fuliginous  and  wild, 
Where  darkness  glum,  and  doleful  horror  reign, 
Leaving  Esdrela's  fructuous  vales  and  fields, 
Fair  Nazareth's  frescades,  and  cool  retreats, 
Where  e'er  their  trail  fatiferous  deploy'd, 
Parch'd,  arid,  dry,  lesions  of  dev'lish  spite ; 
For  ne'er  where  demons  tread,  or  glance  an  eye, 
Doth  aught  of  fruitful  herb,  or  beauteous  flower, 
The  glebous  mead  indue ;  unless  that  plant, 
Plant  infamous,  in  Persia  which  abounds, 
By  Khorassan  and  Lar,  and  thence  which  fumes 
Audacious  o'er  the  plains  of  Toorkistan, 
By  Oxus,  on  one  hand;  and  on  th'  other, 
Vents  its  foul  stench  across  Beloochistan, 
Through  Candabar,  where  Afghans  bide,  eastward 
Thence  to  the  vale  of  Indus  in  Astore, 
Fills  all  the  vexed  air  with  odor  vile  ; 
Fit  excrement  the  Devil  leaves  behind, 
Where  e'er  his  bestial  feet  impress  the  soil. 

Th'  archangel  Gabriel  paused  not  on  the  way, 
Nor  halted  for  repose,  but,  with  fleet  wing, 
Around  the  Queen  of  angels  drew  his  bands, 
And  thus  his  seconds,  right  and  left,  enjoin'd : 

"  Ariel,  lion  of  God,  be  it  thy  care, 


92  REDEMPTION. 

Eastward  with  all  thy  force,  to  scour  the  plains; 
Search  every  bush  and  brake,  and  of  our  foes, 
If  any  be  abroad,  take  strict  account. 
Be  it  thy  charge,  Hadar,  westward  to  watch ; 
Scan  every  hill,  and  permeate  each  vale, 
Nor  leave  one  point  unguarded,  or  desert, 
Lest  who  oppose  us,  find  obverse  ingress, 
And  steal  surreptious  in  forbidden  lines. 
Azur  and  Zepho,  arm  in  chief;  and  wheel, 
The  first,  in  flaming  circuit  tow'rds  the  north ; 
The  second,  southward,  in  full  force  deploy, 
That  none  advene  from  thence  and  cause  surprise. 
Follow  the  rest  where  I  may  lead  the  way, 
Or  stand  in  serried  phalanx,  where,  advanced, 
Our  ensign,  nitent,  spreads  its  azure  folds." 

Quadrate,  the  legionary  hosts  sejoin, 
From  center  tow'rds  eccentric  fourfold  wheel, 
Swifter  than  thought,  and  lighter  than  the  air ; 
Part  right  and  left,  forward  and  adverse  march, 
Timed  to  symphoneous  sounds,  celestial  rung 
From  temper'd  alchemy,  and  lute  and  pipe, 
With  rebeck,  psalt'ry,  such  as  seraphs  tune, 
Varied  to  soft  and  loud,  or  quick,  or  slow, 
As  art  divine  and  heav'nly  instinct  lead. 
Thus  moving,  each  within  his  sev'ral  sphere, 
In  beauteous  order,  and  in  bright  array, 
They  sweep  the  plains,  they  penetrate  each  glen; 
O'er  rocks  and  mountains  fly,  search  every  gorge, 
Scout  stream,  and  bush,  and  brake,  and  fount,  and  cave, 
And  at  each  point  place  high  cherubic  guards, 
Who  all  night  long,  with  sleepless  eye,  keep  watch 
For  many'  a  league  dispersed  around.     A  part, 


REDEMPTION.  93 

Released,  cast  off  their  radiant  arms;  high  on 

The  trees  hang  up  the'ir  glitt'ring  helms,  bucklers, 

And  flaming  swords,  two  edg'd,  and  pointed  spears, 

With  gold  and  precious  gems  inlaid,  and  pearl, 

Of  heav'nly  temper,  curious  design, 

Rich  in  Jehovah's  armory  enwrought; 

And  thus,  at  ease,  with  jocund  mirth  disport, 

Whiling  the  hours  in  hymns,  celestial  song 

And  dance,  or,  in  heroic  verse,  relate 

Annals  of  heav'n,  with  praises  interspersed ; 

Praises  to  Him,  through  whom,  and  for  whom,  they, 

And  in  whom,  all  intelligences,  live. 

Some  skim  the  air,  some  gently  press  the  ground, 

With  impulse  softer  than  Favonius'  wing, 

When  most  disportive  trips  he  cross  the  plains. 

Where  e'er  they  tread,  or  radiant  glance  an  eye, 

A  flow'ret  springs,  with  odors  sweet  effused, 

And  fields  of  roses,  vi'lets,  daisies,  glow, 

Or  umber'd  foliage  decks  the  barren  soil, 

So  late  adusted  by  the  lumb'ring  fiends. 

Nor  less  the  dew-drops,  on  each  leaf  impearl'd, 

As  irridescent  shone  the  liquid  gems, 

Smiling,  reflected  each  an  angel's  form. 

The  feather'd  tribe  resume  their  wonted  lays, 

Each  insect,  fearless,  chirps  its  humble  song, 

And  Nature  buxom  hails  the  gen'ral  joy. 

The  shades  of  evening  peaceful  fell  around 
The  Virgin's  rural  bow'r ;  zephyrs  perfumed, 
Her  wavy  tresses  toss'd,  and  fann'd  her  brow, 
As  she,  in  heav'nly  contemplation,  knelt 
And  breath'd  her  pray'r  in  the  all-hearing  ear. 
The  ling'ring  rays  of  last  departing  day, 

8* 


94  REDEMPTION. 

Had  faded  from  the  sky ;  the  moon,  her  robe 
Of  silver  cast  o'er  twilight's  somber  gray, 
And  softly  bright  illumed  Esdrela's  vale. 
Inlaid  with  bossy  patines,  burnish'd  gold, 
Resplendent  shone  th'  expanse  of  heav'n's  dome  j 
Whilst  glad  the  spheres  their  diapason  roll'd, 
Harmonious  with  the  archangelic  choirs, 
That  now  the  Virgin's  mystic  nuptials  hymn. 
A  mellow  light,  softer  than  Cynthia's  beams, 
When  purest  pour'd  upon  Siloe's  pool, 
Or  Cedron's  brook,  pervaded  her  abode, 
As  Gabriel  approach'd  the  new  Espoused. 
Unhelm'd,  his  baldrick  laid  aside,  and  sword 
And  spear,  succinct  in  silver  tunic  clad, 
He  stood ;  immortal  youth  bloom'd  in  his  face, 
His  graceful  form  celestial  light  adorn'd, 
As,  smiling,  he  his  message  glad  announced : 

"  Hail,  full  of  grace,  the  Lord  is  with  thee ;  hail, 
Illustrious  daughter  of  a  race  of  kings, 
Glory  of  patriarchs,  of  priests  the  crown, 
And  terror  of  th'  infernal  gates  of  hell. 
Blessed  art  thou  amongst  women ;  more  bless'd 
Than  Eve ;  thyself  predestined  second  Eve, 
The  hope  and  safety  of  a  fallen  world, 
And  last,  best  work  of  all-creative  skill." 

So  spake  th'  archangel.     Mary  trembling  heard ; 
And,  at  his  words  astonish'd  and  perplex'd, 
Revolved  the  strange  saluting  in  her  mind  j 
Both  strange  and  new,  for,  from  celestial  lips, 
Such  words  to  mortal,  ne'er  had  been  vouchsafed. 
Fear  moved  her  troubled  thoughts,  awe  seal'd  her  lips, 
Whilst  Gabriel,  with  brow  submiss  inclined, 


KEDEMPTION. 


95 


Fresh  wonder  raised  in  these  mysterious  words : 

"  Fear  not,  Mary,  thou  hast  found  grace  with  God. 
Nor  wonder  at  my  ent'ring  thine  abode, 
Sacred  from  foot  of  man,  nor  at  my  words. 
I  Gabriel  am,  servant  of  God  most  high, 
Sent  to  announce  to  thee  that  sponsal  vow, 
"Which  he  hath  made  tow'rds  her  of  Adam's  race, 
Most  worthy  found  to  incarnate  the  Lord. 
Thou  know'st  the  promise,  for  thou  oft  hast  heard, 
How  when  the  first  of  women  fell,  deceived, 
God  spared  to  doom  her  progeny  to  death, 
And  gracious  promised,  wise  in  his  decrees, 
The  woman's  Seed  should  crush  the  Serpent's  head. 
That  time  hath  come,  and  now  it  rests  with  thee, 
(For  God  works  not  to  hurt  of  man's  free  will,) 
To  choose  if  thou  wilt  be  Mother  of  God. 
If  this  high  boon,  desired  by  all,  conferr'd 
Alone  on  thee,  be  now  by  thee  accept, 
(The  final  link  of  that  celestial  chain, 
Whereby  the  creature  is  rejoin'd  to  heav'n,) 
Then,  in  thy  womb,  untouch'd,  shalt  thou  conceive, 
A  Son  bring  forth,  whom  thou  shalt  Jesus  name. 
Great  shall  he  be,  the  Son  of  God  most  high ; 
Upon  his  father  David's  throne  shall  sit, 
Forever  in  the  house  of  Jacob  reign, 
And  of  his  kingdom  never  know  the  end." 

To  him  the  Virgin,  doubting  not  his  words, 
Yet  wond'ring  much  how  what  he  said  could  be, 
Since  she  by  vow  had  seal'd  her  virgin  state, 
Thus,  with  simplicity,  now  makes  reply : 

"  Well  do  I  know  thee,  Gabriel,  who  thou  art, 
One  of  the  seven  that  stand  before  the  throne, 


96  REDEMPTION. 

Whom  God  vouchsafes  my  guide  and  guardian  care ; 

Else  had  I  not  endured  to  hear  thy  words, 

Unseemly  in  the  ear  of  one  so  far 

Beneath  the  condescension  of  the  Lord. 

The  promise  thou  hast  read  is  also  known, 

As  well  the  prophesies  which  point  the  time, 

When  Israel's  destined  Prophet  shall  arise ; 

Nor  can  that  time  be  distant,  earnest  hoped, 

When  Juda  shall  her  great  Deliv'rer  see. 

But  'tis  not  with  me,  Gabriel,  well  thou  know'st, 

As  with  the  rest  of  Juda's  daughters  found. 

Whilst  they,  so  let,  the  virgin  state  resign, 

With  emulation  high,  worthy  as  high, 

To  claim  maternity  of  Shiloh's  birth, 

I  yield  with  vows  to  their  permissive  hope, 

My  virgin  state  perpetual  to  preserve, 

As  leastwise  worthy,  though  of  David's  house, 

To  bear  so  near  relation  to  the  Lord ; 

Content  to  worship  him  by  whom  so  born, 

And  pay  my  vows  though  distant  from  him  far. 

Hence,  strange  thy  words  sound  to  my  wond'ring  ear, 

Who  chastity  prefer  to  all  the  joys, 

Which  coveted  maternity  impart; 

Though  not  insensible  how  great  renown 

On  such  maternity  must  be  conferr'd. 

O'erwhelmed  rather  with  th'  oppressive  load, 

I  shrink  with  fear  and  trembling  at  the  view — 

Maternity  of  God  !  What  creature  dare, 

Though  seraph  pure,  her  feeble  thought  .exalt 

To  such  relation  with  consuming  Fire  ? 

And  yet,  thy  words  have  meaning,  for  I  know 

Thou  hast  not  left  the  heav'nly  courts  to  bring 


REDEMPTION.  97 

Vain  messages  of  empty  sound,  or  fraught 
With  mockery,  tow'rds  one  who  serves  as  thou, 
And  to  whom  thou  art  giv'n  to  lead  aright, 
Not  to  seduce  to  error's  mazy  paths. 
Leave  not  thy  handmaid  then  in  doubt  austere, 
But,  since  I  know  not  man,  and  ne'er  will  know, 
Tell  me,  I  pray  thee,  how  this  thing  can  be/' 

To  this  th'  archangel,  sweetly  bland,  replied  : 
"  Daughter  of  God  and  man,  immortal  Maid, 
Thou  deemest  well,  not  light  thy  servant's  word, 
Not  vain  his  message,  nor  with  mock'ry  fraught. 
Deep  is  its  meaning,  solemn  its  import, 
With  truth  and  heavn'ly  virtue  rich  imbued; 
And  what  I  tell  thee  surely  shall  be  done. 
Nor  need'st  thou  fear  lest  it  should  be  through  man ; 
For  know,  thy  vow  is  blest,  accept  of  Heav'n, 
Who  seals  thee  for  himself,  himself  alone, 
A  house  more  precious  than  the  temple's  gold, 
Which  He,  the  true  Beseleel,  hath  adorn'd, 
Enrich'd  with  purple,  built  with  special  grace ; 
And  none  a  place  so  worthy  doth  afford, 
To  perfect  his  omnipotent  designs, 
As  is  the  temple  of  thy  virgin  womb ; 
Fit  sanctuary  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
Receptacle  prepared  for  God's  own  Son. 
Doubt  not  th'  omniscience  which  finds  means  to  work, 
Nor  limit  what  he  works  to  scope  of  man. 
Nor  think  the  mystery  excels  his  power, 
Nor  thy  humility  beneath  his  care ; 
That,  leave  to  him  to  perfect  as  he  wills, 
This,,  cherish  as  the  grace  endear'd  to  God. 
He,  who  the  rod  of  Moses  could  convert, 


98  REDEMPTION. 

And  from  dead  branch  a  living  reptile  raise, 
Can  from  the  very  stones  build  Abram's  house ; 
And  who,  from  Adam,  without  woman's  aid, 
His  first  fair  consort  did  with  ease  extract, 
Can  now  in  thee,  the  second  Adam  mold, 
Without  polluting  touch  of  carnal  man. 
Here  then  the  mystery  of  his  purpose  read — 
The  Holy  Ghost  upon  thee  shall  descend ; 
The  Most  High's  pow'r  shall  overshadow  thee, 
And  therefore  shall  the  Holy  of  thee  born, 
Be  called  by  his  name,  the  Son  of  God. 
Hence,  Son  of  God  and  man ;  of  man,  conceived 
By  thee,  who  Adam's  fault  retrieve ;  of  God, 
Through  that  mysterious  operation  had, 
In  nuptial  union,  with  the  Holy  Ghost. 
So,  thy  virginity  remain  intact, 
Perfect,  as  when  thy  virgin  vow  arose, 
With  sweetest  incense  fumed,  acceptable 
To  God  the  Father,  high  in  bliss  enthroned, 
To  God  thy  Son,  shouldst  thou  the  gift  accept, 
And  God  the  Holy  Ghost  thy  proffer'd  Spouse. 
And  lo,  Elizabeth,  thy  cousin,  hath 
A  son  in  her  old  age  conceived,  with  whom, 
That  barren  was,  the  sixth  month  now  transpires. 
Nothing  shall  be  impossible  with  God. 
The  world  revolving,  pauses  in  its  course, 
Awaiting  thy  reply ;  and  well  it  may, 
Since  on  thy  word  its  consolation  hangs ; 
Hope  to  the  wretched,  freedom  to  the  bound, 
Redemption  to  the  captives  chain'd  by  Sin, 
And  free  salvation  to  the  race  of  man. 
Haste,  sovereign  Lady,  hasten  that  response, 


REDEMPTION.  99 

Which  earth  expects,  the  gates  of  Hades  dread, 
And  heav'n  awaits  to  hail  with  loud  acclaim." 

Sweetly  his  words  fell  on  her  trembling  sense, 
And  easy  led  as  God  her  heart  disposed, 
Her  thoughts  still  flowing  redient  to  their  Source, 
In  whom  was  all  her  solace,  joy,  and  hope; 
Willing  to  yield,  consistent  with  her  vow, 
That  seed  immaculate,  by  God  prepared, 
To  incarnate  his  Son;  yet  inward  shrank, 
Nor  least  consent  would  give,  could  that  impute 
The  smallest  stain,  or  purity  disrobe. 
The  fear,  which  first  the  seraph's  words  aroused, 
His  words  had  sooth'd,  respective  of  her  vow; 
Humility  alone,  with  roseate  blush 
By  modesty  suffused,  deferr'd  assent. 
The  soft  impulse  obedience  overruled, 
When  thus,  submissive  to  the  will  of  God, 
She  bow'd,  and  to  th'  archangel  said  : 

"  Behold  the  handmaid  of  the  Lord;  to  me 
According  to  thy  word,  may  it  be  done." 

With  this  the  seraph  vanish'd  from  her  view, 
When  lo,  the  Holy  Ghost,  celestial  Dove, 
That  o'er  the  vast,  erst  brooding,  swift  evolved 
Innumerable  orbs,  and  from  their  dust, 
And  through  their  empty  seas,  awoke  to  life 
Intelligential  forms,  on  her  descends; 
Instant  descends  with  sweet  o'erpow'ring  force, 
And  in  mysterious  union  with  his  Spouse, 
The  spotless  Queen,  the  Son  of  God  begot. 
Deep  in  her  womb  earth  felt  the  thrilling  joy; 
The  heavens  bowing  kiss'd  the  earth  redeem'd, 
And  angels,  lowly  bending  o'er  the  scene, 


100  REDEMPTION. 

Or  strict  encamp' d  around  Esdrela's  cot, 

Gazed  on  the  marv'lous  plan  amazed,  and  learn'd, 

With  ecstasy  of  joy,  the  long  deferr'd, 

Grand  mystery  of  God's  redeeming  love. 

The  devils  trembled;  hell  t'  its  centre  shook, 

And  all  the  powers  of  darkness  fearful  fled, 

Owning  the  hand  which  their  empire  now  crush'd. 

Whilst  Mary,  gaudful,  yet  serene  in  joy, 

In  praises  thus  t'  her  blissful  thoughts  gave  vent : 

"  My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord  my  God, 
Who  hath  with  wond'rous  gifts  exalted  me; 
Gifts,  which  my  tongue  no  power  hath  t'  unfold, 
My  inmost  heart  no  depth  to  comprehend, 
Nor  all  my  strength  suffice  to  worthy  praise. 
Great  is  his  glory,  marv'lous  are  his  works, 
In  whom  my  heart  exults,  my  spirit  joys. 
Kejoice  ye  nations,  Sion  clothe  thyself 
With  strength,  put  all  thy  glorious  vesture  on ; 
The  Lord  hath  heard  thy  prayer,  and  from  the  hills, 
Hath  look'd  with  favor  on  thy  fallen  state. 
Rejoice  with  me,  and  magnify  his  name, 
Since  my  humility  he  doth  regard, 
Respective  of  the  vow  which  me  withheld 
From  all  that  could  integrity  distal n. 
But,  high  as  heaven  the  things  of  earth  excel, 
So  high  his  thoughts  our  lowly  views  transcend; 
Th'  impossible  with  us,  is  plain  to  him; 
And  lo,  from  henceforth  and  forevermore, 
All  generations  me  shall  Blessed  call, 
Since  He,  who  mighty  is,  hath  done  great  things 
To  me,  and  Holy  is  his  glorious  name. 
For,  who  hath  heard  my  vow,  and  who  received, 


REDEMPTION.  101 

Consistent  with  that  vow,  hath  yet  design'd 

To  make  me  Mother  of  the  King  of  kings. 

Nor  on  me  only  doth  his  mercy  fall; 

Soft  as  the  fleecy  snows  cap  Carmel's  hills, 

Wide  as  their  roral  mists  diffuse  the  plains, 

His  mercy  rests,  from  age  to  age,  on  all 

Who  fear  his  name,  and  in  his  goodness  trust. 

On  these  his  mercy,  but  with  mighty  arm, 

The  proud  in  their  conceit  he  drives  away; 

Their  wisdom  he  as  foolishness  accounts, 

And  what  they  despicable  deem,  exalts; 

Hurls  from  his  lofty  seat,  the  strong  man  arm'd, 

And  in  his  place  the  humble  lifts  on  high, 

Raises  the  needy  contrite  from  the  dust, 

And  'midst  the  princes  he  enthrones  the  poor, 

The  hungry  feeds,  but  sends  the  rich  away. 

So  he  his  servant  Israel  received, 

Mindful  of  mercy  and  his  promise,  giv'n 

To  Abraham  and  his  remotest  seed, 

Rescued  from  bondage,  through  the  desert  led, 

To  land  of  promise,  whence  the  proud  were  cast, 

And  Israel  exalted  in  their  stead. 

Exalted  then,  but  more  exalted  now; 

By  Moses  then  from  temp'ral  bondage  freed, 

By  greater  than  was  Moses  now  conduct 

From  earthly  to  celestial  Canaan's  shores." 

So  she  her  grateful  thoughts  aloud  entoned, 
Till  sounds  seraphic  rang  through  all  the  air, 
Symphonious  with  the  theme  that  tuned  her  tongue, 
Whilst  gladden'd  Nature  joy'd  through  all  her  realms, 
That  one  at  length  was  found  of  worthy  mold, 
The  earth  from  Adamitic  curse  to  free. 


102  REDEMPTION. 

Through  prompt  obedience  thus,  and  ready  faith, 
The  first  prophetic  word  its  fullness  finds; 
From  Virgin's  seed  the  Word  of  God  takes  flesh, 
And  Satan's  power  receives  its  lethal  wound. 


THE  END  OF  THE  THIRD  BOOK. 


THE 


FOURTH   BOOK 


REDEMPTION. 


ARGUMENT. 


Universal  peace  uthers  in  the  Advent  of  the  Messiat.  By  divine 
appointment,  through  an  edict  of  Augustus,  as  the  instrument, 
Joseph,  with  Mary,  hit  espoused  wife,  repairs  to  Bethlehem.  The 
Nativity  of  Christ.  Angela  appear  to  some  shepherds,  and  announce 
the  Saviour's  birth ;  they  go  and  worship  him.  A  miraculous  star 
appears  in  the  East,  by  which,  three  wise  men  of  Chaldea,  are 
wonderfully  led  to  the  manger  at  Bethlehem;  these  also  adore  the 
infant  Redeemer,  and  present  him  with  royal  gifts. 


BOOK  IV. 

Hail,  heav'n-born  Peace !  primeval  state  of  bliss, 
Conferr'd  on  Eden  once,  but  then  withdrawn, 
When  the  first  pair  essential  Peace  forsook, 
And  each  recriminative  th'  other  charged 
With  sin ;  since  then,  stranger  to  earth,  no  more 
Dost  thou  revisit  man  till  now,  or  but 
With  casual  ray,  too  soon  extinguish'd 
In  fraternal  strife.     I,  thy  dawning  hail, 
More  grateful  to  the  heart  than  rosy  light 
To  Critheis'  son,  or  him,  who  vainly 
Thee  besought  in  Mantua's  sweet  retreat; 
Or,  to  Londinian  bard,  whose  eye,  though  dimm'd, 
By  error  of  paternal  precept  plunged 
In  deeper  darkness  of  the  mind.     Oh !  would 
That  I,  reversing  his  misstep,  might  some 
Atonement  make,  for  that  ungracious  fault; 
And  will,  if  nightly  Muse  aid  me  as  well 
To  sing  Redemption  won,  as  him  the  Fall. 
Not  ye,  do  I  implore,  who  aided  him, 
Eased  him  in  his  descent,  but  could  not  raise 
Up  to  the  Heights,  to  reinstate  fall'n  man. 
Not  ye,  Pierides,  nor  you,  fair  maids, 

9* 


106  KEDEMPTION. 

Who  did  with  those  contend,  equal  'in  number, 

And  scarce  less  skill'd  in  song,  do  I  invoke, 

In  this  fresh  trial  of  superior  skill. 

Away,  Urania,  you,  ye  Muses  nine, 

Your  songs  no  more  delight  the  sages'  ear ; 

Away,  profane,  the  palm  and  laurel  now 

Crowns  loftier  bedeck.     Pindus,  Parnassus, 

Rise  in  vain  for  me,  and  Helicon, 

Who  higher  soar  than  Pegas&m  wing, 

And  there  indite  a  strain,  more  sweet  than  fount 

Castalian  heard  from  skill'd  Apollo's  lyre, 

Or  Orpheus',  feign'd  to  hold  the  streams  entranced, 

Make  mountains  move,  and  savage  beasts  grow  tame; 

Fables,  which  find  their  complement  alone 

In  Him,  whom  David  and  Isaias  sang; 

Who  now  inspire  my  song,  and  lead  me,  though 

Unworthy,  to  a  bolder  flight  than  e'er, 

Unless  so  aided,  I  should  dare  t'  essay. 

Not  that  my  art  succeeds  to  equal  theirs, 

In  numbers  rhythmical,  and  flowing  verse; 

But  that  the  theme,  which  me  so  elevates, 

Not  I  the  theme,  surpasses  highest  flight 

Of  man's  heroics,  mythologic  verse, 

War's  grizzly  wounds,  with  blood  and  crackling  bones, 

Neath  pond'rous  cars  and  rolling  chariots  crush' d, 

Or  batt'ring  rams,  dread  enginery  of  death; 

Befitting  more  the  songs  of  carnal  man, 

Than  mine,  which  bold  contemns  mere  earthly  thought, 

And  draws  from  fount  celestial  thought  divine, 

To  sing  the  circumstance  of  peace,  not  war, 

Man  whole  redeem'd,  and  raised  above  those  arts, 

Which,  but  for  Sin,  had  ne'er  distraught  our  sphere, 


REDEMPTION.  107 

And  now  would  cease,  earth  t'  Eden's  bliss  restored, 
Did  man  but  rightly  comprehend  the  boon, 
Full  purchased  through  Messias'  peaceful  reign. 

Psalmist  of  Israel,  type  of  Him  to  come, 
Whose  pastoral  pipe,  melodious,  oft 
Hath  charm'd  the  flow'ring  plains  of  Bethlehem, 
What  time  thy  father's  flocks  browsed  on  the  hills, 
Or  drank  the  waters  of  its  grassy  meads, 
Inspire  mine  ear,  list'ning  more  rapt  to  thee, 
Than  fleecy  charge,  or  warbling  audience, 
Instinctive,  to  thy  tuneful  lay.     Let  peace, 
With  healing  wings  outspread,  sweetly  infuse 
And  calm  my  soul,  perturbed  with  carking  cares, 
And  dreams  inane  of  man's  beneficence; 
Oft  drumni'd  in  faithful  ears,  that  faithless  prove, 
Since  men  their  faithful  brethren  daily  crush, 
And  seldom  raise  a  helping  hand  to  stay; 
Oft  preach 'd,  but  rarely  practiced,  e'en  before 
The  altar,  save  when  interest  inspires. 
Peace,  best  attain'd  in  rural  fields  and  glades, 
With  shepherd's  crook,  and  pipe,  and  bleating  herds, 
Where  frugal  life,  with  simple  wants  bestow'd, 
Flows  on  unenvied,  most  exempt  from  care; 
Peace,  which  to  grace  conjoin'd,  with  rest  and  joy, 
The  saints  partake  in  hcav'n;  now  known  to  thee, 
Who,  long  involved  in  internecine  wars, 
Wast  sorely  tried,  yet,  after  God's  own  heart, 
And  overshadow' d  by  his  presence,  rich 
Wast  endow' d  midst  pastoral  charms,  to  be 
The  type  of  that  great  Pastor,  who  his  sheep, 
Purchased  with  covenant  blood,  gently  leads 
Into  the  one  great  Fold,  there  to  abide 


108  REDEMPTION. 

In  his,  the  one  great  Shepherd's  arms;  whose  voice 

They  hear,  and  follow  oft  to  rich  repasts; 

Or  to  perennial  streams  of  grace,  flowing 

From  that  celestial  fount,  which  rises  near 

The  throne  of  God,  and  waters  all  the  plains 

Made  arid  by  the  breath  of  sin  and  death. 

Or,  should  fair  Hebron's  vale  delight  thee  more, 

Whose  rocky  glens  re-echoed  to  thy  songs, 

And  waked  their  voice  symphonious  to  the  sounds, 

That  trembled  on  thy  royal  harp,  attuned 

To  praises  of  thy  Son,  the  Son  of  God, 

Then,  thee  I  thence  invoke  t'  indite  my  muse, 

Which  sings  the  advent,  often  sung  by  thee, 

Of  Israel's  promis'd  Saviour ;  pleased  more 

Than  e'er  the^wand'ring  tribes  in  desert  wastes, 

Libten'd  to  Miriam,  with  timbrels,  sing 

The  fate  of  Pharao's  host,  list  I  to  thee. 

Peace  ushers  in  the  great  Messias'  reign, 
Soft  beats  her  pinions  on  th'  Augustan  age, 
And  o'er  the  expanse  of  his  extended  sway, 
Sits  dove-like  brooding,  where  the  clang  of  arms 
Had  long  resounded  through  harrassed  plains. 
From  whence  Atlanteus  gently  laved  the  shores 
Of  his  great  empire  on  the  going  down, 
To  where  Euphrates  kiss'd  the  rising  sun, 
And  northward,  where  the  Rhine  and  Danube  roll 
Their  cooling  waters  diverse  to  the  main; 
Thence  to  the  golden  plains  of  Afric,  south, 
And  Araby,  she  undisturbed  reposed. 
Their  swords  to  ploughshares,  spears  to  pruning  hooks, 
The  nations  gladly  beat,  and  ceased  to  war. 
Sing,  Muse  divine,  the  names  of  those,  who  paid, 


REDEMPTION.  109 

That  day,  their  tribute  to  the  Prince  of  peace ; 

Who,  though  enslaved  by  Satan,  and  enchain'd 

To  hell's  triumphal  car,  unknowing  why, 

Gave  premonition  of  salvation  near; 

Who  paid,  involuntary,  homage  free, 

And  free  partook  of  undeserved  grace. 

All  save  his  own ;  his  own  received  him  not ; 

Though  to  the  few,  who  did  receive,  he  gave 

The  power  to  be  made  the  sons  of  God ; 

Born,  nor  of  blood,  nor  will  of  flesh,  nor  man, 

But  of  the  Father  born  in  mystic  birth. 

Italia  first,  as  first  in  place  and  power, 

The  gates  of  Clusius  shuts,  and  Januals 

Of  peace  offers  to  Jacob's  rising  Star ; 

Chief  of  Italia's  deities,  his  keys, 

The  god  gives  up,  foredoom'd  to  overthrow, 

With  emblems  of  superior  power  replaced, 

When  Rome,  beloved  of  God,  call'd  to  be  saints, 

Placed  Israel's  king  on  Caesar's  lofty  throne, 

And  Rome's  proud  eagles  humbly  stoop'd,  to  yield 

Their  place  to  that  opprobrious,  conqu'ring  Sign, 

Which,  after,  gleam' d  illustrious  in  the  skies. 

Next  warlike  Lusitan  hangs  up  his  shield, 

And  with  the  Tarragon  seeks  war  no  more ; 

While  o'er  his  vine-clad  hills,  serene  imbow'r'd,    • 

Pyrenean  cliffs,  no  longer  rugged,  smile. 

So  the  Brigantes,  and  innum'rous  hordes, 

Britannia's  soil  a  long  time  who  disturbed 

With  barbarous  contests,  from  Druidic  rites, 

A  moment  turn,  and  hostile  arms,  to  greet 

That  glorious  day,  which  seal'd  the  demons'  pow'r. 

•But  chief  the  isles  among,  the  Isle  of  saints 


110  REDEMPTION. 

Puts  on  her  robe  of  joyous  green,  and  sets 

Her  emerald  signet,  to  the  seal  of  God's 

Redeeming  love;  emblem  of  mercy  'and  peace, 

Signet,  which,  once,  Urim  and  Thummim  graced, 

And  after,  gleam'd  athwart  the  bow,  which  he 

Of  Patmos,  saw  around  the  heav'nly  throne, 

Sure  type  of  reconciliation,  proof, 

How  dear  to  God  are  his  predestined  saints. 

Nor  doth  Gallia  refuse.     From  Pyrenees 

To  Alps,  from  Rhine  to  rolling  seas,  spacious 

Her  rich  domain  extends,  predestined  thence 

With  Clovis  and  Clotild,  to  deck  her  arms 

By  victories  of  grace,  until,  when  free 

Enlaved  in  healing  streams  from  Mercy's  side, 

She  rose  exalted  to  th'  immortal  name — 

Defender  of  the  Faith;  name,  deeply  grav'n 

On  her  front,  and  borne  where  e'er  her  eagles 

Flaunt  the  breeze,  or  sail  cerulean  seas. 

So  all  of  Celtic  race  and  name,  destroy 

Their  idols,  and,  unalterably  firm, 

Compaction  hold  with  Him,  whose  genial  reign 

From  rising  to  the  setting  orb  of  day, 

Wide  as  the  earth's  expanse,  coeval  spreads, 

And  with  the  clean  Oblation,  long  foretold 

By  Malachias,  constant  him  adore. 

Next  after  these,  homage  of  peacefulness 

The  warlike  sons  and  blue  eyed  maids  defer 

Of  wild  Illyricum;  whilst  Rhaetia, 

Dacia,  Thrace,  and  utmost  lands,  wide  spread,  wash'd 

By  (Enus,  Danube,  Dravus  and  the  Save, 

Awhile  forget  their  fierceness,  and  succumb 

To  the  prevailing  force  of  heav'nly  grace ;  *-'•*• 


REDEMPTION.  Ill 

Of  all-pervading  grace  and  boundless  love, 

That  speechless  struck  the  oracles  of  Greece, 

Held  Tenedos  at  bay,  closed  Sibyl's  caves, 

O'erturn'd  the  Delphic  fane,  and  demons  sent, 

With  all  the  demo-gods,  howling  to  hell, 

Anew  to  learn,  whose  hand  created,  not 

Withheld,  had  pow'r  rebellious  to  destroy. 

Nor  Asia  fails,  who  first  his  Star  saw  light 

The  eastern  sky,  and  sends  her  wise  men,  fraught 

With  royal  gifts,  frankincense,  gold  and  myrrh ; 

Him  first  to  hail,  but  last,  save  few,  to  own. 

Egypt  her  arms,  Him,  opens  to  receive ; 

And  sable  Africa  bows  down  with  awe 

Before  him,  who,  her  deserts  as  the  rose, 

Makes  blossom,  and  all  her  sunny  fountains 

With  healing  virtues  flow.     Not  less  the  Medes 

And  Parthians  own  his  sway ;  whilst  Elamites, 

Libyans  and  Cretes,  Araby  and  Gyrene, 

Prepare  his  way,  for  whom,  valleys  were  raised, 

Mountains  and  hills  brought  low,  crooked  made  straight, 

And  every  rough  place  plain.     Nor  yet  the  East 

Alone,  greeted  with  joy  man's  rising  Hope, 

Whose  circling  beams  o'erspread  the  Western  world, 

And  heav'nly  smile  on  tribes  conceal'd  from  view; 

On  tribes  long  lost,  but  in  the  counsels,  who, 

Of  God's  redeeming  love,  recorded  stood, 

Vessels  of  grace,  alike  predestinate 

In  his  good  time  to  be  aroused  from  death, 

And  bathed  in  life's  regenerating  flood. 

These  see  his  beams  from  far,  and  hail  the  sign, 

Of  which  some  glimm'ring  rays,  not  quite  obscured, 

Transpierce  the  mists  that  clouded  their  dark  minds. 


112  REDEMPTION. 

All  but  the  grand  Disturber,  foe  to  peace, 

Some  motion  gave  of  wish'd  deliv'rance  near. 

He,  since  his  last  repulse,  and  signal  rout, 

The  remnants  of  his  forces  wide  dispersed, 

Lay  impotent  and  lone  on  Pauda's  cliffs, 

Bleak,  barren,  cold.     Not  stronger  bound  that  wight, 

Whom  fable  sings,  chain'd  to  Caucasian  rocks, 

Nor  for  less  cause  condemn' d  to  blank  despair. 

Revolving  his  distress  and  fading  hopes, 

He,  thus  deploring,  vents  with  grief  his  fears : 

"Ah,  me!  so  soon  o'erthrown,  a  fugitive 
Confess'd,  chain'd  to  these  heights,  without  redress, 
And  powerless  my  ruin  to  forefend ! 
What  could  I  more  of  caution,  skill,  employ, 
To  stay  the  progress  of  this  dread  inroad, 
And  bate  the  advent  of  the  Son  of  God  ? 
Cautious  I  moved,  with  care  my  force  disposed, 
Ready  for  open  war,  or  what  should  come. 
War  he  declined,  withdrew  his  hosts,  and  left 
Me  to  expatiate  the  field  he  fear'd  to  meet, 
And  try  the  virtue  of  this  second  Eve. 
Did  aught  of  violence  impel  me  then  ? 
No,  gentlest  motives  pleaded  my  just  aims, 
And  led  me  rather  to  persuade  than  force. 
That  I  gave  o'er  does  not  implead  my  skill, 
Nor  yet  impeach  the  virtue  of  my  cause. 
Did  not  he  charge  me  so  t'  his  fav'rite  Job, 
When  I,  from  travel  sore,  once  met  his  sons, 
Assembled  near  him  on  a  certain  day  ? 
Strict  he  enjoin'd  the  self-same  trial's  force, 
And  after,  sharp  rebuked  him  his  default. 
Doubt  not  the  same  result  had  proved  me  right, 


REDEMPTION.  113 

Had  my  attempt  not  been  short  interrupt. 

But  what  dire  change  o'erclouds  the  prospect  now? 

Peace  !  where  my  warring  legions  most  embroil'd  ! 

Nations,  which  I  had  much  enrich'd  with  spoils, 

Whose  feet  to  war  led,  fingers  taught  to  fight, 

With  vict'ry  crown'd  where  e'er  their  standards  stood, 

Now,  sooth,  court  dastard  peace  !  and  sit  astare, 

With  marv'ling  gaze,  at  this  new  prodigy, 

Which  om'nous  looms  invasive  of  my  sphere ! 

Here  had  I  thought  myself  at  length  secure, 

Without  oppose  to  build  my  empire  free, 

And  the  democrity  prove  of  my  reign. 

For  I  no  slavish  vassalage  have  claim'd, 

But  freedom  giv'n  from  vassalage  to  Him, 

To  all  the  race  of  man,  of  old  ingrate ; 

Ingrate  to  me,  who  liberty  achieved, 

Who,  when  he  had  forbade  to  taste  the  fruit, 

(So  aimless  else  amidst  the  garden  placed,) 

Did  set  them  free,  and  made  like  us,  as  gods, 

The  evil  as  the  good  to  equal  know; 

What  could  they  less  than  own  my  equal  pow'r, 

And  do  me  homage,  equal  power's  just  meed  ? 

So  did  they;  but  what  now  defends,  and  leads 

Them  after,  whom  I  hotly  hate,  did  meet, 

And  bold,  with  daring  front,  durst  meet  again, 

Were  but  to  thaw  this  adamantine  frost, 

Which  holds  me  paralized  to  these  bleak  hills, 

And  tenfold  plagues  inflicts  o'er  hottest  fires; 

Frore  fire,  that  chills,  yet  burns,  benumbs  my  limbs, 

Proves  how  inexorable  is  his  ire, 

And  how  exhaustless  his  unswerving  hate. 

Not  more  than  mine,  and  here  I  tell  thee,  Son 

__  10 


114  REDEMPTION. 

Of  God,  come  weal,  come  woe,  blow  hot  or  cold, 

My  everlasting  hate  is  wholly  thine ; 

Thine,  and  all  those,  who,  fawning,  with  thee  side. 

Time  was  when  I  my  purpose  might  have  waived, 

And  some  compact  have  held  with  even  Thee, 

Willing  to  share  by  turns  the  filial  throne; 

Not  less  deserving  it,  who  sat  as  high, 

And  equal  claim  had  to  be  named  his  Son  ; 

The  loss  of  which  caused  my  first  feud  with  Heav'n. 

But  that  is  past,  and  more  that  fairly  prompts 

To  such  defiance  as  bears  no  reprieve, 

Brooks  no  collusion,  and  but  kindles  hate. 

Then  be  assured,  though  seeming  Victor  now, 

New  wars  thy  vaunted  peace  shall  break,  thy  rule 

O'erturn,  e'en  should  earth's  empire  cede  to  thee, 

For  short  time  keep  allegiance  transferr'd, 

And  thy  new  sons,  as  far  the  former  race 

Excel  in  numbers,  virtue,  or  renown, 

As  hosts  of  heaven  excel  the  least  their  tribes. 

Deem  thou  this  brav'ry  vain,  if  so  beseems; 

But  what  field,  tell  me,  e'er  was  shunn'd  by  me  ? 

What  foe  ever  beheld  my  coward  back, 

Or  me  transpierced  with  an  opprobrious  wound  ? 

And  though  I  hold  thee  equal,  and  confess 

Some  disadvantage  in  a  former  pass, 

(A  disadvantage  amply  since  repaid,) 

'Twas  not  through  my  defect,  but  dastard  crew, 

Who,  basely  terrified,  left  whom  desert, 

That  else  had  measured  thee  with  even  force. 

But  doubt  not  we  shall  meet  in  other  fields, 

Though  this  new  project  universal  lead 

And  sway  all  nations,  cringing  at  thy  shrine. 


REDEMPTION.  115 

Fresh  motions  will  but  freshen  our  attempts, 
And  yield  occasion  to  essay  in  arms 
What  former  strivings  have  but  faintly  shown. 
At  least,  be  sure,  till  future  times  approve, 
That  hell's  immitigable  wrath  no  ease 
Shall  find,  no  respite  e'er  demand,  nor  truce 
Accord,  till  thou  be  fetter'd  at  my  feet, 
Or  I  sink  helpless  'neath  thy  boasted  pow'r. 
When  this  last  be,  hereafter  let  abide, 
Believe  not  shortly,  nor  by  thy  decree." 

Thus  the  vain  braggart,  helplessly  transfix' d 
On  loftiest  peak  of  Ural's  glacial  chain, 
By  turns  deplores,  raves,  vents  his  spleen,  and  dares 
Before  whom  cowardly  he  quails.     Meanwhile, 
The  changing  seasons  longer  not  delay 
To  bring  the  fullness  of  that  promised  morn, 
Which  smiles  upon  the  rising  Hope  of  man. 
All  that  the  Seers  saw,  and  prophets  sang, 
Or  Israel  fear'd,  had  full  completion  found. 
From  Juda's  hand  the  sceptre  now  had  pass'd, 
And  Edom  sat  where  David  was  enthroned ; 
From  Juda's  loins  no  lawgiver  arose, 
Since  Caesar  o'er  him  cast  his  iron  sway. 
The  weeks  of  Daniel  ended,  ready  stands, 
The  Saint  of  saints  to  usher  in  his  year, 
When,  Sin's  dominion  past,  iniquity 
No  more,  but  everlasting  justice,  reigns. 
Isaias,  sing,  as  none  but  thou  canst  sing, 
The  glories  of  the  Orient's  dawning  year ; 
For  thou  art  present,  visible  to  me, 
And,  not  the  least,  rejoicest  at  the  day, 
So  plainly  sung,  so  full  foretold  by  thee  : 


116  REDEMPTION. 

"  A  Virgin  hath  conceived  and  bears  a  Son ; 
To  us  a  Child  is  born,  a  Babe  is  given, 
The  Prince  of  peace,  whose  government  shall  rise, 
Increase,  and  spread,  and  never  know  an  end. 
Upon  the  throne  of  David  shall  he  sit, 
To  order  it  in  righteousness  and  peace. 
Rejoice  ye  peoples,  Salem's  daughters  sing; 
Your  King  behold,  who  desolate  makes  glad, 
Makes  wilderness  with  lilies  bloom  and  rose. 
Libanus  shouts  his  praise,  and  Camel's  top, 
Her  beauteous  garb  puts  on,  while  Saron  leaps 
With  joy,  the  glory  of  her  Lord  to  see. 
Instead  of  thorns,  the  fir-tree  now  springs  up, 
The  myrtle,  in  the  place  of  prickly  briars. 
The  wolf  reposes  with  the  peaceful  lamb, 
Leopards,  in  friendly  mood,  with  kids  abide, 
And  lordly  lions  sort  with  bleating  calves, 
Whilst  youths  disportful  gaily  lead  their  bands. 
Strengthen  your  hands,  ye  feeble,  and  confirm 
Your  trembling  knees ;  faint  hearted,  courage  take, 
For  God  himself  descends  your  strength  to  be. 
See  him,  ye  blind,  and  every  deaf  man  hear; 
Leap  as  the  hart,  ye  lame,  praise  him,  ye  mutes, 
Who  sets  the  tongue  of  every  dumb  man  free. 
Fresh  waters  in  the  deserts  spring,  while  streams 
Through  arid  wilds  strange  courses  take  and  blend 
Their  humble  song  with  seas  tremendous  roar. 
The  pilgrim  pauses  in  his  path  to  see 
New  cascades  leap  from  out  the  crusted  rocks, 
Or  scoop  fresh  waters  from  the  sandy  plains, 
Where  cascades  fell,  nor  waters  flow'd  before. 
The  dens  where  dragons  former  dwelt,  now  wave 


REDEMPTION.  117 

With  fenny  bulrush  and  the  graceful  reed, 
While  every  vine,  and  shrub,  and  fruitful  tree, 
Spontaneous  their  pulpy  treasures  yield, 
And,  free  from  venom  of  the  crested  snake, 
Or  savage  beasts  that  prowl  the  woods  for  prey, 
Shelter  the  wand'rer  'neath  their  leafy  shade. 
Straight  paths  through  flow'ry  vistas  spring,  to  guide 
His  erring  feet,  and  heralds  raise  their  voice, 
To  lead  him  cheerful  on  his  easy  way. 
Prepare  the  way,  the  way  of  God  prepare, 
Who  comes  the  door  of  mercy  to  unbar. 
Kise  up,  ye  vales,  and  you  ye  hills  bow  low, 
Let  devious  ways  be  straight,  and  rough  ways  plain. 
Return,  redeemed  of  the  Lord,  return ; 
Hasten  your  great  Deliverer  now  to  see ; 
Fill  Sion,  fill  thy  courts  with  sounding  praise, 
Thy  sorrows  cease,  thy  mourning  flees  away, 
And  everlasting  joy  shall  crown  thy  head. 
Th'  imperious  edict  of  Augustus  rolls 
Portentous  to  the  world's  remotest  bounds; 
Blind  instrument  in  the  Almighty's  hand, 
To  solve  his  counsels  and  fulfill  his  words. 
Obedient  to  the  summons,  Joseph  rose, 
With  Mary,  his  espoused,  'twas  so  ordain'd, 
And  went  to  Bethlehem  to  be  enroll'd. 
Presaging  clouds  o'erhang  the  beetling  crags, 
And  frown  upon  them  on  their  rugged  way. 
The  flow'ry  top  of  Carmel  casts  its  bloom, 
And  with' ring,  all  its  leafy  honors  fade ; 
In  circling  eddies  whirls  the  frosted  air, 
And  torrents  rush  impetuous  to  the  main. 
Esdrela  pass'd,  Garizim  greets  their  steps, 


118  REDEMPTION. 

Hard  by  the  Patriarch's  well ;  where  short  repose 
Prepared  the  Virgin  and  her  holy  spouse, 
To  urge  their  way,  with  premonition  sad, 
Up  Calvary's  mournful  hill,  by  Solyma, 
And  thence  to  Bethlehem's  irreguous  vale, 
Where,  on  a  mount,  the  royal  city  stood. 

Nine  times  the  desert  nioon  alternate  changed 
Her  phases,  falcate,  full,  synodic  round 
This  oblate  sphere ;  the  tenth,  in  Tebeth,  shone 
With  chilling  beams,  when  stood  the  Pilgrims,  tired, 
At  Bethlehem's  crowded  door.    Place  there  was  none ; 
None  e'en  for  brief  repose;  the  inn  was  full; 
Nor  friendly  voice  responded  to  their  call. 
Royal  descendants  of  th'  illustrious  race, 
And  at  the  threshhold  of  their  royal  sire, 
Obscure,  they  had  not  where  to  lay  their  heads. 
The  tribe  of  David,  num'rous,  throngs  the  place ; 
Some  come  from  wealthy  Sidon,  skill'd  in  ships, 
And  Tyre,  twin  cities,  which  Phoenicia  ruled ; 
Arabia  next  restores  his  wandering  sons; 
Damascus,  water' d  by  Chrysorrhoas, 
River  of  gold,  whose  fountains  beamy  flow 
With  pearls  and  precious  stones,  its  tribute  pays ; 
Those  Bosra  sends,  perite  in  purple  dyes; 
Nor  Edom  these  withholds,  nor  Mizraim, 
Made  fertile  by  the  swelling  Nile.     Where  e'er 
The  sons  of  David,  Bethlehem  born,  had  fled, 
Thence  answ'ring  to  the  edict,  numberless 
They  come  to  be  enroll'd,  and  fill  the  town. 
From  fruitless  search  averted,  Joseph  turns 
His  weary  steps  without  its  gates,  but  finds 
No  place,  save  a  lone  crib,  where  beasts  abide. 


REDEMPTION.  119 

The  cheerless  shelter,  thankful  they  accept, 

To  screen  them,  way-worn,  from  night's  piercing  blasts. 

Fair  Cynthia  half  her  course  had  measured  *'er 
With  silvery  beams ;  and,  past  the  zenith, 
Oblique  with  silent  step,  took  westward  way, 
When  Gabriel,  who  all  night  long,  and  all 
The  weary  way  from  Nazareth,  had  led 
The  Virgin  undefiled,  to  Bethlehem's  crib, 
His  shining  legions,  many  a  phalanx, 
Drew,  close  and  deep,  around  the  lowly  spot; 
Then  on  his  trumpet  of  ethereal  mold, 
Th'  appointed  signal  blew;  not  terrible, 
As  that  which  waked  the  echoing  hills  round 
Sinai's  awful  top,  yet  in  full  cadence 
Breathing,  loud  and  clear;  such  that  the  heav'ns  heard, 
Her  golden  gates  wide  oped,  which  music  made, 
Melodious  music  made,  and,  answering, 
Her  sons,  in  numbers  numberless,  call'd  down 
To  see  the  Sun  of  righteousness  arise; 
For  at  that  instant,  without  pain,  Jesus, 
The  Son  of  God,  passed  from  the  Virgin's  womb, 
And  calm  reposed  within  the  Virgin's  arms. 
Divine  effulgence,  pour'd  on  Bethlehem's  crib, 
(Native  to  heav'n,  and  heav'n's  eternal  throne,) 
Diffused  ineffable  the  place  around. 
Brighter  than  that  which  shone  on  Moses's  face, 
When  from  the  Mount,  talking  with  God,  he  came; 
Or  than  that  mountain  where  Eliseus  stood, 
At  Dothan,  and  beheld  around  him  gleam 
Chariots  of  heav'nly  fire  and  glitt'ring  steeds. 
But  to  the  glory  of  that  other  mount, 
Likest  it  seem'd,  whereon  transfigured  stood 


120  REDEMPTION. 

Jesus,  with  three  of  his  beloved ;  his  face 
More  glorious  than  the  noonday  sun,  too  bright 
Fo^Jnortal  eye,  his  garments  white  as  snow. 
Such  splendor  now  beams  from  his  infant  face, 
Whilst  sweet  voiced  cherubim  in  radiant  bands, 
Incessant  hymn  the  new  creation's  dawn. 

Their  music  thrill'd  the  ear  of  shepherds,  who, 
Abiding  in  the  fields  by  night,  kept  watch 
Over  their  fleecy  charge  :  "  What  sounds  are  these  ?" 
So,  each,  with  wondering  awe,  the  other  ask'd  : 
"What  heav'nly  theme  wakes  such  mellifluous  notes  ? 
Nor  mortal  voice,  nor  instrumental  skill, 
Such  music  ever  breath'd  in  mortal  ear; 
Unless  those  sounds  of  voice  and  harp,  discoursed 
By  him,  inspired,  who  once  made  Hebron's  plains 
Resound,  the  while  he  tended  his  pleased  flocks, 
Or  spirits  charm'd  from  guilty  breast  of  Saul. 
Either  some  heav'nly  embassage  arrives, 
Fraught  with  new  message  to  our  race  enthrall'd, 
(And  Israel's  chronicles  profuse  record 
Such  envoys  sent  from  'fore  the  heav'nly  throne,) 
Or  else,  that  long  wish'd  hour  at  length  hath  dawn'd, 
And  angel  music  hymns  our  Shiloh  come ; 
Whereof  late  fame  makes  certain  strange  report. 
You  've  heard  of  Mary?     She  of  Joachim, 
And  of  the  royal  race  in  David's  line? 
Thjj  princess  of  a  mighty  house,  beloved, 
Whom  all  had  fervent  hoped,  would  prove  to  raise 
Fall'n  Juda  from  the  dust,  her  state  repair? 
This  Mary,  (incredible  in  Israel,) 
Hath  vow'd,  'tis  said,  virginity  to  God. 
She,  whom  the  mightiest  princes  eager  sought, 


REDEMPTION.  121 

Whose  virtue,  fame  had  spread  throughout  the  East, 

Celestial  pure,  whose  beauty,  minstrels  sang, 

Prefers  virginity,  that  hope  precludes 

To  save  her  people  by  Messias  birth, 

Before  that  state  which  Juda's  daughter's  love. 

Yet,  some  mysterious  motive  lies  conceal' d, 

Which  our  high  pontiffs  have  full  well  approved, 

And  given  her  to  Joseph,  poor  old  man, 

To  be  her  guardian,  and  ward  off  reproach. 

From  hence  the  mystery  of  her  life  unfolds  ; 

An  angel  from  the  Lord  appear'd  to  her, 

Whereof  all  Nazareth  rings  with  the  fame, 

That  said  she  should  be  mother  of  a  son, 

Without  the  carnal  touch  of  mortal  man ; 

And  strange  to  say,  this  Virgin's  big  with  child ! 

Nor  did  these  prodigies  commence  with  her ; 

For  Zachary,  he  of  Abia's  course, 

Whose  wife  her  cousin  is,  of  Aaron's  tribe, 

Whilst  serving  in  his  place,  an  angel  saw, 

That  promised  him  a  son  in  his  old  age, 

Expressly  named  forerunner  of  the  Lord. 

And,  in  like  manner,  Joachim  received 

A  heav'nly  visitant,  who  Mary's  birth 

Also  foretold.     What  all  this  means,  exceeds 

What  simple  shepherds  may  aspire  to  know; 

The  wise  and  learned  it  behooves  to  tell. 

This  much  is  certain,  all  the  prophets  read, 

That  our  Messias'  birth  must  soon  advene; 

And  if  this  glory,  which  round  Bethlehem  shines, 

Be  not  a  mere  illusion  of  the  brain, 

Some  supernatural  fact  it  must  reveal. 

What  e'er  it  be,  short  time  will  solve  the  doubt, 


122  REDEMPTION. 

For,  with  majsstic  tread  from  forth  the  light, 
Comes  one,  whose  mien  betokens  not  of  earth." 

Whilst  yet  they  spake,  th'  archangel  Gabriel,  swift 
Approaching,  stood  before  the  wond'ring  band. 
Enchanted,  yet  o'erwhelmed  with  awe  and  fear, 
They,  prostrate,  hide  their  faces  from  his  view. 
Whom  he,  his  brilliance  eheck'd,  in  accents  soft, 
Measured  to  soothe,  thus  comforting  address'd : 

"  Fear  not,  for  lo,  good  tidings  of  great  joy, 
Which  shall  be  to  all  peoples,  bring  I  you; 
To  you,  preferr'd  before  the  great  and  wise; 
For  God  exalts  th'  humble,  himself  reveals 
To  babes,  but  from  the  wise  and  prudent  hides, 
And  whom  the  world  deems  foolish,  .chief  esteems. 
From  such,  the  patriarchs  calFd,  and  Isai's  son, 
Pastors  as  you,  who  humbly  kept  their  flocks, 
And  merited  to  fill  that  line,  which  ends 
In  Him,  whom  Israel  doth  long  expect, 
Th'  anointed  Son,  long  hoped,  at  length  arrived ; 
For,  in  the  city  'of  David,  now,  to  day, 
Is  born  to  you  a  Saviour,  Christ  the  Lord. 
The  Infant,  wrapp'd  in  swaddling  clothes,  you  '11  find, 
And  in  a  manger,  midst  the  lowing  herd, 
Obscurely  laid;  and  this  shall  be  your  sign." 

Suddenly,  shining  in  the  starry  vault, 
A  host  of  heav'nly  messengers  appear, 
Who,  jubilant,  exult,  and  praises  sing : 

"  Glory  to  God  be  in  the  highest  giv^n, 
And  peace  on  earth  to  men  of  good  will  come. 
Behold  the  Prodigy,  0  earth,  and  hail 
The  new  born  Infant,  Christ  thy  Lord  and  King, 
Who  now  doth  visit  and  redeem  the  race. 


REDEMPTION.  123 

For,  as  was  spoken  by  the  prophet's  mouth, 

Who  from  the  first  was  gifted  to  foretell, 

A  Horn  of  safety,  He  in  David's  house, 

Redemption  for  the  people,  would  raise  up. 

Now  is  his  word  fulfill'd.     From  Virgin's  womb, 

The  faithful  Branch  takes  root,  on  David's  stem 

Engrafted,  Heir  to  David's  royal  house, 

His  Lord,  though  Son,  whom  earth  and  heaven  sing. 

Glory  to  God  be  in  the  highest  giv'n, 

And  peace  on  earth  to  men  of  good  will  come." 

Joyful,  the  shepherds  hear  th'  inspiring  words; 
Gladness  supplants  their  fear,  when  with  loud  voice, 
(Their  hearts  to  heav'nly  inspiration  warm'd,) 
They  chaunt  the  angels'  hymn  with  sweet  refrain: 

"  Glory  to  God  be  in  the  highest  giv'n, 
And  peace  on  earth  to  men  of  good  will  come. 
We  praise  thee,  God,  thee  bless,  and  thee  adore; 
Thee  glorify  and  thank,  who  glorious  art, 
Father  almighty,  heav'n's  eternal  King. 
And  thee,  0  Lord,  the  sole  begotten  One, 
Th'  anointed  Christ,  and  Lord  of  heav'n  and  earth; 
Thee,  Lamb  of  God,  and  of  the  Father,  Son, 
Who  from  thy  Father's  throne  dost  now  descend, 
To  take  away  the  sins  of  fallen  man ; 
Thee  only,  who  art  Holy,  to  assume 
Our  debt,  thee  only,  who  art  Lord,  Most  High; 
Jesus,  the  just,  to  suffer  for  the  vile, 
Christ,  th'  anointed,  to  mend  the  broken  law." 

Aloud  exulting,  thus  the  shepherds  sing, 
And  leave  their  slumb'ring  flocks  for  Bethl'hem's  crib; 
Whose  halo  mountant,  shining  from  afar, 
Directs  their  speedy  steps,  and  points  the  door. 


124  REDEMPTION. 

They  enter,  and  behold  the  heav'nly  Babe, 
Cradled  on  straw  and  in  a  manger  laid. 
Prostrate  before  him  bow  the  patriarch  sire, 
And  Mary,  who  the  infant  Saviour  bore. 
Rapt  in  ecstatic  joy  before  her  Son, 
Th'  untainted  Virgin  kneeling  him  address'd: 

"  By  what  fit  name  shall  I  thee  call,  0  Son  ? 
A  man's  name  shall  I  give  thee  ?  but  thou  art 
Divine.     God's  name  shall  I  bestow?  but  thou 
Hast  taken  human  flesh.     Shall  I  with  milk 
Thee  nourish,  or  thee  glorify  as  God  ? 
Shall  I,  or  as  thy  Mother,  cherish  thee, 
Or  as  thy  handmaid,  thee  adore?    What  is 
This  mystery,  unutterable,  profound? 
Heav'n  is  thy  seat,  yet  now  my  womb  thee  bears; 
Here  with  the  dwellers  of  the  earth  thou  deign'st 
To  live,  and  yet  the  highest  heav'ns  dost  fill; 
Whose  coming  here  is  not  through  change  of  place, 
By  condescension  humbled  to  our  state. 
This  mystery  divine,  I  may  not  search, 
But  humbly  bow  thy  goodness  to  adore. 
Thou  art  in  me  th'  exhaustless  source  of  good, 
With  lib'ral  hand  who  hast  adorn'd  my  soul, 
Enrich'd  with  graces,  on  me  copious  pour'd; 
And  when  thou  had'st  no  greater  gift  to  yield, 
(Unheard  of  wonder,  earth  and  heav'n's  amaze !) 
Did'st  visit  me,  did'st  give  me  thine  own  self, 
And  constitute  me  Mother  of  my  Lord! 
Naught  can'st  thou  now,  my  saving  Son,  refuse, 
Who  hast  united  thus  thyself  to  me, 
Flesh  of  my  flesh,  my  life  with  thine  infused, 
Thy  be'ing,  insep'rable  to  mine  conjoin'd. 


REDEMPTION.  125 

Since  then  thou  hast  so  high  exalted  me, 

So  intimately  join'd  me  to  thyself, 

Let  all  that  in  me  is  be  perfect  thine; 

My  will  conform,  my  thoughts,  and  my  desires, 

That  as  in  body  we  are  one,  not  less 

We  may  be  one  in  mind,  will,  heart,  and  soul." 

Her  words  the  shepherds  hear  with  rev'rent  awe, 
And  lowly  fall  before  their  infant  Lord; 
Him  worship  thus  with  vows,  and  humble  gifts, 
(Such  as  poor  shepherds  may,)  bestow;  then  take 
Their  joyful  way,  to  talk  these  marvels  o'er, 
And  spread  the  fame  of  Israel's  new-born  King. 

Th'  almighty  Hand,  which  out  of  chaos  drew 
Vast  masses,  inert,  moulded  into  worlds, 
Bowl'd  mighty  suns  o'erheav'n's  azure  plains, 
Bade  meteors  shine,  and  vagrant  comets  blaze, 
Now  decks  the  ebon  vault  with  a  new  gem, 
Whose  glorious  rays  eclipse  day's  ruby  beams. 
High  in  the  Orient  gleams  that  radiant  star, 
The  Father's  finger  pointing  to  his  Son. 
The  zodiac  glistens  with  its  hallow'd  light, 
And  elder  stars  withdraw  their  feebler  rays. 
Ethiop  saw  and  raised  her  hands  to  God, 
Saba  and  Egypt  their  atonement  made, 
Araby  own'd,  and  Araby  was  bless'd. 
But  chief  its  beams,  enubilous,  impress'd 
Seleucia's  royal  fountains,  near  the  place 
Where  Eden  once  outspread  her  spacious  walls, 
Whence  flow'd  the  Phison  round  the  land  of  gold, 
Gihon  and  Tigris,  with  the  river  famed, 
That  haughty  Babylon  bore :  streams,  which  erst 

The  flowr'y  banks  of  Paradise  enlaved, 

11 


126  REDEMPTION. 

First  kiss'd  the  virgin  sun,  ere  sin  had  cast 
Its  baleful  blight  on  this  sublunar  sphere, 
And  now  the  first  salute  the  virgin  star. 
This  star  the  Magi  saw,  who  oft  had  heard 
The  fame,  which  he  of  Beor  sounded  long, 
That  when  its  beams  the  plains  of  Kedem  gild, 
Should  rise  in  Jacob  of  a  Virgin  born, 
Spotless  and  pure,  a  Son,  destined  to  change 
The  face  of  nature,  peace  restore,  and  cast 
O'er  sin's  dark  confines  the  primeval  day. 
Such  was  the  fame  in  Iran,  long  before 
By  Zoroaster  taught,  by  these  believed ; 
Believed,  and  now  pursued,  for  soon  begirt, 
Sandal'd,  with  staff  in  hand,  and  royal  gifts 
Prepared,  the  Magians  take  their  westward  way, 
To  pay  their  homage  to  the  new-born  Child. 
The  fires  of  Belus,  on  his  crumbling  tower, 
Burn'd  sinister  as  pass'd  the  Magi  on ; 
But,  not  the  portent  heeding,  they  intent 
Urged  their  way  through  Chaldea's  palmy  plains ; 
Then  left  the  land  of  dates,  the  desert  sands 
Of  Araby  to  try ;  their  starry  guide, 
Meanwhile,  refulgent  shining  on  their  way. 
So  glow'd  the  burning  bush  that  Moses  saw ; 
So  o'er  the  wastes  of  Mara  and  of  Zin, 
The  pillar  of  fire,  Israel's  marshal'd  hosts, 
From  Zephon  led  into  the  promised  land ; 
And  so  the  hand  of  God  them  leads,  who  seek 
The  way  of  truth  and  holiness  to  know. 
Not  less  ignescent  gleam'd  th'  unwonted  orb, 
Labent  along  the  deserts  trackless  path, 
And  gently  o'er  their  heads  diffused  its  light. 


REDEMPTION.  127 

At  length  on  Ainmon's  rugged  heights  they  stand, 
Salute  fair  Hesebon,  in  Jordan's  stream 
Enlave  their  travell'd  limbs,  thence,  Salem  greet, 
And  at  her  lordly  gates  loud  knock  and  ask — 
"Where  is  he  who  is  born  King  of  the  Jews  ? 
For  in  the  East  his  guiding  star  we  saw, 
And  come  the  royal  Infant  to  adore." 

Fear  seiz'd  the  craven  hearts  of  Juda's  sons, 
As  the  strange  asking  of  the  Magi  pass'd 
Through  all  the  ways  of  Solyma.     Stealthy 
At  first,  their  words  were  borne,  in  whispers  low 
Upon  the  evening  air,  and  blanch'd  the  cheek ; 
Then  grew  in  louder  murmurs,  as  they  sped 
From  low  to  high,  from  high  to  him,  who  sat 
On  David's  throne  and  ruled  with  iron  rod. 
So  brews  the  gath'ring  storm ;  the  quiet  air, 
The  gentle  wind,  a  distant  flash,  with  sounds 
Low  mutt' ring,  far  between,  then  furious  rush 
The  elements,  in  angry  torrents  down. 
For,  though  the  heart  of  Salem  long'd  to  see 
The  halo  of  Messias'  rising  day, 
And,  versed  profoundly  in  prophetic  lore, 
Knew  that  its  dawn  could  not  be  long  delay'd; 
Yet,  steep'd  in  guilt,  and  drench'd  in  prophets'  blood, 
Chain'd  to  the  Edomites  ensanguin'd  throne, 
They  quick  presage  their  tyrant's  kindling  ire, 
And  dread  the  sound  of  Israel's  Saviour  come. 
The  echoed  words — "For  we  have  seen  his  star 
Rise  in  the  East,  and  him  have  come  to  adore," 
Sank  deep  in  Herod's  guilty  breast,  troubl'd  him, 
And  with  him  all  Jerusalem  dismay'd. 
The  vassal's  crown  upon  the  monarch's  brow, 


128  KEDEMPTION. 

Bought  with  his  own  and  Israel's  royal  blood, 
Trembled  before  the  Infant's  whisper'd  name. 
For  he  had  ask'd,  and  heard  the  record  read — 
"Though  Bethlehem  of  Juda  is  the  least, 
Yet  out  of  her  the  Captain  shall  arise, 
To  rule  the  people  of  the  Lord  of  Hosts." 
Sinister  grew  the  monarch's  angry  brow, 
Foreboding  evil  to  the  Son  of  Man ; 
Whilst  with  deceit  as  deep  as  was  his  guilt, 
He,  summoning  the  Wisemen,  artful  ask'd, 
What  time  the  star,  which  guided  them,  appear'd ; 
Then  hastive  sent  them  on  their  way,  enjoin'd 
To  bring  him  word,  that  he  might  come  t'  adore. 

The  Magi  more  delay  not.     Issu'ing  forth, 
With  joy  exceeding,  they  pursue  the  star, 
Its  zenith  fix'd  o'er  where  the  young  Child  was, 
With  virgin  beams  on  Bethlehem  clearly  pour'd ; 
On  Bethlehem  Ephrata,  who,  though  small, 
Was  privileged  thus,  her  Lord  the  first  to  see. 
The  lowly  roof  they  enter,  and  behold 
The  queenly  Mother  with  her  royal  Son. 
Except  the  glory  circling  round  his  head, 
Which  clear  jaspadean  shines,  no  other  beam 
Reveals  the  hidden  God;  for,  since  the  day, 
On  which  he  typical  first  shed  his  blood, 
Obedient  to  the  law,  the  radiance,  which 
The  shepherds  had  allured,  fading  from  view, 
Left  but  this  circlet  on  his  sacred  brow. 
By  this  they  know  whom  they  so  long  had  sought, 
A  moment  stand,  inspired  with  sacred  joy, 
With  ears  enravish'd  drink  the  heav'nly  sounds, 
Which  now  anew,  from  bright  angelic  harps, 


REDEMPTION.  129 

Repeat  the  anthem,  which  the  shepherds  heard. 
Celestial  harmony  subdues  their  sense, 
And  awe  and  holy  fear  melt  into  love. 
That  sacred  fire  which  his  sweet  Name  incites, 
High  heav'n  inflames,  and  all  heav'n's  sanctities 
Inebriates,  with  ravishing  delights, 
Invades  the  Magi,  seals  their  lips,  but  glows 
In  chrystal  drops,  suffusing  every  cheek. 
Prostrate  before  him,  now  with  unseal'd  lips, 
The  Magi  fall,  and  humbly  thus  adore  : 

"0  Thou,  before  whom  we,  unworthy,  bow, 
Before  whose  Majesty  adorable, 
The  trembling  earth  and  heavens  flee  away, 
What  shall  we  in  thy  presence  but  adore 
In  most  profound  abasement  of  our  souls  ? 
Thee,  do  we'  adore,  just  God,  and  render  praise, 
Before  whose  greatness  every  knee  doth  bend. 
Compared  with  thee,  earth's  mightiest  is  but  weak, 
Her  proud  prosperity  an  empty  dream, 
And  all  her  brightness  but  a  glimm'ring  ray. 
Eternal  King  of  ages,  great  Supreme, 
To  thee  alone,  all  honor  appertains, 
Glory,  and  honor,  benediction,  praise; 
To  thee,  eternal  Son  of  God  most  high, 
Who  now  descending  from  thy  heav'nly  throne, 
Dost  deign  to  clothe  thyself  with  human  flesh, 
And  woo  our  glad  acceptance  of  thy  love. 
Celestial  source  of  truth,  of  hope,  and  joy, 
God,  our  supreme,  all-wise,  almighty  King, 
Thee  we  have  fervent  sought,  and  seeking,  find, 
Thee  now  desire  to  know,  to  understand, 
To  love,  and  walk  in  all  thy  hallow'd  ways. 


130  REDEMPTION. 

All  knowledge  in  thy  presence  is  as  naught; 

Our  best  attainments  nothing  in  thy  sight, 

For  thou  alone  eternal  Wisdom  art. 

And  though  in  holy  Infancy  thou  hast 

The  Godhead  veil'd,  thou  yet  remain'^t  the  same, 

Th'  Almighty  Power,  whence  we,  and  all  proceed ; 

In  whom  we  live,  sole  move,  and  being  have. 

Though  not  of  Israel's  race,  deign,  Lord,  to  look 

With  favor  on  thy  servants,  and  give  part 

In  the  Redemption,  thou  hast  come  to  bring. 

Remember  Abraham,  our  father;  him, 

Whose  righteousness  thou  know'st,  and  whom  from  out 

Our  land,  of  old,  thou  call'd'st  to  be  the  sire 

Of  this  blest  race;  remember,  and  accept 

For  us,  his  face,  who  long'd  to  see  thy  day, 

But  who,  less  bless'd  than  we,  knew  not  its  dawn." 

So  sought  the  Magi,  and  so  found ;  so  ask'd, 
And  of  his  bounty  full  received,  and  grace 
For  grace;  with  royal  gifts  prefer  their  pray'r, 
And  find  acceptance  in  his  boundless  love. 
Eight'  days  the  infant  Saviour  they  adore, 
Worship  with  vows,  and  hail  his  Mother  Bless'd; 
Then  go  their  way  rejoicing  whence  they  came; 
Though,  by  an  angel  warn'd,  in  route  diverse, 
By  Bend-Emir,  and  Syria's  fertile  fields. 


THE  END  Or  THE  FOURTH  BOOK. 


FIFTH   BOOK 


REDEMPTION, 


ARGUMENT. 


The  fruits  of  the  hidden  life  of  Christ  portrayed.  Mary  is 
troubled  by  a  dream,  which  foreshadows  the  departure  of  her  divine 
Son  upon  his  mission,  and  also  his  death.  She  implores  him  not  to 
leave  her.  He  explains  the  object  of  his  advent,  comforts  her,  and 
predicts  her  own  death  and  exaltation  at  his  right  hand  in  heaven. 
She  is  inspired  with  a  courage  similar  to  his  own,  and  now  bids  him 
go  forth  to  fulfill  the  object  of  his  incarnation.  John  the  Baptist, 
baptizing  at  the  ford  of  Jordan,  sees  him  coming,  announces  him  as 
the  Lamb  of  God,  and  baptizes  him.  The  heavens  open,  and  God 
the  Father,  in  an  audible  voice,  proclaims  his  Son.  The  Holy  Ghost 
descends  upon  him  in  the  form  of  a  dove,  and  leads  him  into  the 
wilderness  of  Bethbera,  where,  after  fasting  forty  days  and  nights, 
he  is  tempted  of  the  Devil.  Satan  is  foiled  in  every  attempt,  and  at 
last  precipitously  takes  his  flight;  angels  come  and  minister  to  the 
victorious  Messias. 


BOOK  V. 

Say  Thou,  whose  sacred  effluence  outpours, 
Kedient  to  my  theme  inspired,  why  Jesus 
From  the  world  he  came  to  save  withdrew;  why 
He,  who  yet  a  youth,  before  the  learned  stood, 
Confounding  them  with  questions  and  replies, 
(His  tearful  Mother  meanwhile  seeking  him,) 
That  wisdom  should  in  solitude  obscure ; 
Sing,  for  Thou  know'st,  why  He,  whose  light  excelPd 
The  sheen  of  stars,  and  moons,  and  suns  combin'd, 
Should  intermit  so  long  his  rays,  and  shade 
The  world  in  darkness,  leaving  his  mission, 
Though  begun,  but  three  brief  years  to  evolve 
Its  momentous,  ineffable  results. 
It  was  the  soul's  interior  life  to  teach, 
The  hidden  life  divine  of  Christ  with  God ; 
Without  which,  he  that  liveth,  is  but  dead, 
With  which,  that  dieth,  lives  to  die  no  more. 
Much  by  example  teaching  as  by  words, 
The  great  Exemplar  he,  like  him  retire, 
In  heav'nly  contemplation  reticent; 
Blend  low  contrition  with  thanksgiving's  acts, 
Bid  faith  t'  aspire,  and  hope  to  anchor  firm ; 


134  REDEMPTION. 

Rift  every  tie,  that  binds  the  soul  to  earth, 

And  on  immortal  pinions,  bid  her  soar 

To  that  celestial  bourne,  where  rapture  reigns. 

And  he  was  subject  unto  them;  this  too 

He  taught,  by  silence  and  retreat;  lesson, 

Scarcely  by  few  now  taught,  by  fewer  learn'd ; 

Subtniss  obedience,  sum  of  sacred  lore, 

Spirit  and  practice,  pure  religion's  aim ; 

Chiefly  to  God  supreme,  next  man,  who  rules 

By  delegated  power  throughout  the  chain 

Of  his  dependence,  by  which  all  things  hang 

In  one  united,  undissever'd  whole. 

Three  years  to  earth,  thirty,  in  silence  pass'd, 

Measure  the  scale  of  this  stupendous  truth, 

In  which  Perfection  hath  her  perfect  work, 

Nor  deems  her  task  accomplish'd  till  attain'd. 

Proceeds  from  out  of  this,  humility, 

Basis  of  virtue  fair,  and  powerful  sword, 

Which  sole  th'  infernal  Prince  of  pride  doth  slay. 

Abject  and  mean  to  seem,  abject  to  be, 

The  wings  that  Heaven  ordains  on  which  to  soar, 

And  converse  hold  celestial  with  the  skies. 

Nor  only  these  from  calm  retirement  flow, 

As  sequences  from  premises  derive; 

But  purity  of  heart,  grace  dear  to  God, 

With  charity  inflamed,  and  peace,  and  joy, 

Virtue,  or  faith  or  hope,  excelling  far, 

And  without  which  all  else  is  empty  sound. 

So  Patience  here  her  perfect  work  attains, 

The  fruit  of  tribulation,  trial,  hope, 

Pour'd  in  the  heart  from  charity  of  God, 

And  comfort  biding  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 


REDEMPTION.  135 

The  hidden  life,  nor  fruitless  then,  nor  vain, 
But  rich  in  grace,  resorbs  the  dews  of  heaven, 
The  virtues  racemous  to  fructify. 

These  bright  in  Jesus  shone,  whom  Nazareth 
Detain'd,  as  he  in  grace  and  stature  grew, 
Favour  with  God  and  man,  and  strong  to  cope 
(According  to  the  flesh,  essential  who 
Nor  growth  nor  increase  knew,)  with  mortal  foe, 
And  that  stupendous  toil,  'neath  which  at  last, 
Midst  sweat  and  blood,  with  load  of  guilt  weigh' d  down, 
Guilt  not  his  own,  who  knew  no  sin,  he  sank. 
Erect  and  broad  his  spacious  shoulders  spread, 
Tall  rose  his  frame,  and  rounded  stood  his  limbs, 
With  beauty  molded,  as  for  grace  and  strength, 
Not  femininely  soft,  yet  scarce  less  fair. 
His  lofty  brow  with  manly  locks  were  curl'd, 
Which  wave  o'er  wave  profusely  backward  roll'd 
In  clusters,  resting  on  his  polished  neck, 
And  barely  to  his  ample  shoulders  fell. 
Thought  sat  supreme  though  placid  on  his  front, 
Wisdom  profound  controll'd  his  active  thoughts, 
And  spoke  him  fit  for  empire,  lordly  sway, 
Yet  tender,  gentle,  kind,  to  rule  all  hearts 
More  by  the  soothing  influ'nces  than  fear. 
The  ruddy  glow  of  manhood's  prime  suffused 
His  cheeks;  his  eye  was  hazel,  large,  but  mild 
As  hers,  who  call'd  the  Godlike  Man  her  Son ; 
Grave  in  his  aspect,  grave  but  not  severe, 
With  easy  smile  curving  his  rubied  lips ; 
But  ne'er  to  laughter  given,  though  with  tears 
His  eyes  not  seldom  running  o'er,  to  find 
The  world  so  woe-begone,  so  wretched,  lost, 


136  REDEMPTION. 

So  far  removed  from  rectitude  of  aim, 
Or  wish  its  pristine  righteousness  to  gain. 

'Twas  on  a  day  to  sacred  rest  disposed, 
The  beauteous  Mother  stood  beside  her  Son. 
The  place  was  sacred  held,  where  oft  the  twain, 
This  Adam  and  his  spotless  Eve,  communed; 
Mother  and  Son  communed,  when  morning  rose, 
At  day's  nigh  noon,  and  when  still  evening  wrapt 
Its  veil  of  golden  beauty  round  the  scene, 
Or  deepen'd  into  shades  of  thoughtful  night, 
The  hour  of  meditation,  when  the  soul, 
Untrammell'd  by  the  things  of  time  and  sense, 
Mounts  up  from  nature  to  her  primal  Source. 
A  range  of  hills,  with  freshest  verdure  coped, 
And  stately  trees,  enclosed  the  valley  round. 
Broad  elms  here  lift  their  venerable  heads, 
The  sycamine  its  dark  green  foliage  blends 
With  clust'ring  chesnut's  not  less  pleasing  growth, 
Whilst  avenues  of  walnut,  holm,  inspersed 
Midst  fruitful  olives,  citrons,  wave  their  leaves, 
To  gentlest  influence  of  the  evening  breeze. 
Nor  stately  tree,  nor  verdant  shrub  alone, 
Oped  their  long  vistas  to  inviting  view, 
And  bade  the  weary  court  their  ambient  shade ; 
But  every  plant,  each  fruit,  pleasant  to  sight, 
Taste,  smell,  or  good  for  use,  domestic,  grew, 
While  down  each  slope,  bloom'd  sweetest  flow'rs, 
Diffusing  grateful  odors  through  the  air. 
Amid  the  garden  native  fountains  sprang, 
Tossing  their  playful  waters,  crystal  clear, 
Till  amber  streams  with  sweet  reluctant  flow, 
Not  void  of  life,  coursing  their  pebbly  beds, 


REDEMPTION.  137 

In  crested  ripples  on  each  margin  broke, 
And  sank  in  murrn'ring  music  soft  away. 
Not  Eden  in  its  prime  more  beauteous  bloom'd, 
When  Adam  and  his  spouse,  then  innocent, 
Its  soil  luxuriant  till'd,  its  fruitage  cropt, 
Than  this  loved  Paradise,  where  pair  more  bless'd, 
More  innocent,  now  in  sweet  converse  walk.    • 
Enamell'd  was  their  path,  thick  paved  with  flow'rs, 
That  shed  their  sweetest  odor  as  they  pass'd ; 
Balsam  and  fir,  their  richest  perfume  breath'd, 
Whilst  odorous  acacia  showYd  its  fruits ; 
Sweet  almond,  gay  with  varied  hues  dispensed, 
And  olives,  each  their  latent  fragrance  blent. 
When  thus,  along  an  alley,  fadeless  green, 
Some  trace  of  deep  thought  in  the  Virgin's  mien, 
Reflected  from  the  cast  her  Son's  face  bore, 
She  to  him  mild  these  earnest  words  address'd : 

"Son  of  my  love,  my  sole  begotten  One, 
Some  thought  hangs  heavy  o'er  and  clouds  thy  brow. 
Deep  read  in  every  change  that  marks  thy  face, 
I  can  but  see  some  mystery  working  there, 
Some  deep  design,  which  mocks  my  skill  to  read. 
'Tis  not  in  absence  of  accustomed  smiles ; 
These  ever  lend  fresh  charms  to  thy  converse ; 
Nor  yet  in  gloom  morose ;  this  never  mars 
The  calmness  of  thy  look,  celestial  bland, 
I  read  these  motions ;  but,  in  tenderness 
Increased,  in  the  deep  pathos  of  thy  tones, 
The  mellow'd  softness  of  thy  voice  and  eye. 
These  tell  me  of  some  mighty  purpose  fix'd, 
Some  thought  profound,  which  thy  reluctance  spares 

To  tell,  lest  sadness  pierce  my  anxious  breast, 

12 


138  REDEMPTION. 

Or  damp  my  heart,  with  sorrows'  load  o'erfraught. 
But  yet,  another  voice  its  motive  lends, 
And  bids  me  this  foreboding  now  express. 
Come  with  me  yonder,  to  that  gentle  knoll, 
And  'neath  the  yew  trees  sit,  where  that  befel, 
Which  racks  my  mind  with  wav'ring  doubts, 
And  leads  me  on  thee  to  cast  all  my  care, 
From  whom  no  secret  thought  I  e'er  withheld." 

Thus  she,  with  voice  subdued,  and  teeming  eye, 
Preferr'd  the  rising  fear,  that  cast  its  shade 
Over  the  placid  heaven  of  her  breast, 
And  darkly  shadow'd  grief  foredoom'd  to  come. 
So,  hand  in  hand  they  walk,  to  where  a  hill, 
With  easy  slope  rose  from  the  grassy  sward, 
Timber'd  with  yews.     A  bower  of  jessamine 
Adorn'd  the  spot,  whose  graceful  tendrils  wove 
A  trellis'd  arch,  festoon'd  with  flow'rs,  then  fell 
In  rich  profusion,  fragrant,  to  the  ground ; 
Where,  seated,  Mary,  sighing,  slow  resumed : 

"  'Twas  yester-e'en ;  the  sun  obliquely  pour'd 
His  sultry  beams  o'er  hill,  o'er  field,  and  stream ; 
All  creatures  own'd  the  heat's  oppressive  force, 
And  panting,  fled  t'  escape  the  burning  ray. 
The  birds  their  warblings  hush'd,  the  leaves  stood  still; 
The  fawns  their  gambols  ceased ;  my  fleet  gazel 
Grew  weary  of  his  play ;  tired  nature  slept. 
Each  thing  that  lives,  or  taught  to  bide  my  voice, 
Or,  native  sportful,  pleased  my  steps  attend, 
In  coverts  hid,  now  dozed  the  hour  away; 
Nor  I  withstood,  but  soon  sank  to  repose. 
Sleep  scarcely  had  o'erspread  my  weary  sense, 
When  thou,  methought,  stood'st  near  me,  calm  and  mild; 


REDEMPTION.  139 

Yet,  strange,  with  teardrops  in  thine  eyes.     Soon  one, 
Who  stood  aloof,  gan  beck'ning  thee  away, 
And  seem'd  impatient  at  thy  tardy  step. 
With  one  enravish'd,  ling'ring  look  on  me, 
(Oh !  how  ecstatic  is  the  mem'ry  now, 
How  sweet  the  ravishment,  which  that  look  gave,) 
Thou  answer'd  to  his  motion,  and  withdrew. 
Some  sinister  portent  e'ercast  his  brow, 
Yet  still  thou  follow'd ;  shrieking,  I  pursued. 
Long  was  the  distance,  devious  the  road, 
But  naught  would  my  maternal  heart  give  o'er. 
A  busy  mart  at  length  arose  in  view, 
And  frenzied  multitudes  opposed  thy  way. 
I  lost  thee  in  their  midst,  but  still  pursued, 
Eager  to  seek  thee  whither  thou  had'st  gone. 
Their  execrations  rang  within  my  ear, 
And  threats  of  violence  my  grief  renew'd. 
I  call'd  thee — Son,  my  Son,  oh !  whither  dost 
Thou  flee  ?     But  found  thee  not,  nor  heard,  alas  ! 
Thy  well  known  voice  return  familiar  sounds ; 
Destined,  ah  me  !  to  hear  that  voice  no  more. 
All  night  I  sought  thee,  all  night  found  thee  not, 
Till  morn  broke  sadly  on  my  blasted  hopes, 
And  I  stood  by  thy  bruised  and  mangled  corse. 
Tell  me,  my  Son,  my  life,  my  joy,  my  all, 
What  means  this  vision  that  so  racks  my  soul  ? 
Is  it  foresent  in  mercy  from  above, 
To  blunt  the  force  of  some  approaching  ill  ? 
Or  shaft  from  th'  evil  one,  sent  to  harrass? 
Thou  would'st  not  leave  me,  no  thou  can'st  not  go; 
Save  thee,  whom  have  I,  sole  my  staff  and  stay." 
Not  with  such  grief  did  Eve  her  fault  bewail, 


140  REDEMPTION. 

As  this  one,  faultless,  thus  discoursed  her  dream. 
Grief  from  her  eyes  pour'd  down  a  copious  flood, 
Heaved  her  full  bosom,  and  convulsed  her  frame, 
Lest  what  she  seern'd  to  see,  might  soon  be  done. 
Her  arms  around  her  Son  she  fondly  clasp'd, 
Close  press'd  him  to  her  heart  as  loath  to  part, 
Reclined  her  head  upon  his  sacred  breast, 
And  sobbing,  weeping,  fainted  in  his  arms. 
The  Godman's  eyes  o'erflow'd  with  answ'ring  woe, 
Responsive  throbb'd  his  heart  to  her  distress, 
Whom  ever  he  beheld  with  ardent  love. 
He  to  his  bosom  press'd  the  spotless  Dove, 
And  in  soft  accents  answ'ring,  sweetly  said : 

"  Woman  to  me  endear'd,  above  all  loved, 
As  thou  above  all  others  art  redeem' d, 
Repress  thy  fears,  and  still  this  gush  of  grief. 
No  serious  ill  can  thee  or  me  afflict. 
Save  sin,  no  serious  ill  exists;  what  else 
Befalls,  comes  by  permissive  will  of  heav'n. 
Nor  need  the  vision  thou  hast  seen,  disturb ; 
Whether  from  heav'n  in  mercy  sent  t'  awarn, 
Or  from  some  lower  source,  need  not  concern. 
Yet,  fairest  of  Eve's  daughters,  worthy  found, 
Sole  worthy  found  to  incarnate  the  Lord, 
Something  here  trace  that  timely  needs  to  know; 
Not  wholly  now  unknown,  who  oft  hast  heard 
Me  converse  of  the  work  I  came  to  do; 
That  work,  which  leads  me  to  frequent  the  haunts 
Of  men,  without  regard  to  what  may  there  befall. 
Should  then,  this  premonition  dimly  trace 
Some  mortal  throw,  by  us  to  be  endured, 
Doubt  not  the  purpose  hath  such  end  in  view, 


REDEMPTION.  141 

As  must  commensurate  the  seeming  ill. 

Then  let  the  sorrow,  which  o'erwhelms  thee  now, 

Give  place  to  that  heroic  aim,  sublime, 

Which  bids  thee  rise  superior,  undismay'd, 

'Bove  all  the  transient  woes,  t'  which  flesh  is  heir. 

Not  that  I  chide  thy  tears;  'tis  good  to  weep; 

Good,  when  the  cords,  which  nature  binds,  are  strain' d, 

Good,  when  bereavement  friendship's  heartstrings  snap, 

But  best,  when  shed  o'er  others'  ills  and  woes, 

And  Love,  the  oil  of  consolation  pours." 

Thus  Jesus,  bending  o'er  whom  he  revered, 
Dear  to  his  soul,  whose  flesh  and  blood  he  bore, 
The  balm  of  love  pour'd  in  her  troubled  breast; 
Clasp'd  her  to  his,  and  wiped  away  the  tears, 
Which  love's  emotion  coursed  along  her  cheeks; 
When  Mary  thus,  with  trembling  voice,  renew'd  : 

"  My  Lord,  my  Son,  this  bleeding  heart  forebodes, 
All  that  thy  gentle  words  and  love  conceal. 
I  know  thou  art  but  lent  to  me,  too  soon, 
Alas!  how  soon,  to  be  withdrawn,  and  fear, 
By  some  dread  anguish,  not  to  me  reveal'd. 
What  sorrows  equal  mine !  What  mother's  breast 
So  torn  with  anguish,  and  despoil'd  by  death! 
First  Joachim,  revered,  resign'd  this  life, 
Next,  Anne,  from  whom  being  I  received; 
Then  last,  my  holy  spouse,  though  full  of  years, 
And  ripen'd  for  the  harvest  Death  must  reap, 
Renews  the  wound,  which  time  had  scarcely  heal'd; 
Now  thou,  my  Son,  my  life,  my  hope,  my  strength, 
My  father,  mother,  spouse,  and  only  stay, 
Thou  too  wilt  leave  me,  hopeless,  lone,  bereft. 

Why  not  the  mystery  of  thine  earthly  life 

12* 


142  KEDEMPTION. 

Unfold  as  well  within  this  calm  retreat, 

And  Nazareth's  cot,  as  midst  the  haunts 

Of  treach'rous,  sinful  men  ?    Beside  me  here, 

Thy  life  would  easy  flow,  peaceful  mature, 

And  at  its  close,  in  good  old  age,  thou  mightst 

Descend  by  easy  footsteps  to  the  tomb. 

Within,  serenity  and  peace  abide, 

Without,  abhorr'd  abomination  dwells, 

Sin,  misery,  and  desolation  reign. 

And  if,  as  oft  thou'st  said,  thy  blood  must  flow, 

A  free-will  ofFring  to  redeem  the  world, 

E'en  this  extreme  of  need  hath  been  fulfill'd, 

In  thy  submission  to  Mosaic  law. 

And  who  shall  say  one  drop,  one  precious  drop, 

Of  blood  so  rich,  were  not  of  ample  worth 

T'  elute  the  sins  of  e'en  ten  thousand  worlds." 

So  she,  in  fond  illusion  of  the  mind ; 
He,  to  the  Mother  of  sorrows,  thus  replied  : 

"  Daughter  of  God,  Mother  beloved  of  mine, 
Thy  slightest  wish  is  law  to  me,  thy  Son; 
Nor  is  it  now,  nor  shall  be  ever  heard, 
That  I  to  thy  requests  have  turn'd  deaf  ear. 
Thou  know'st  me  as  I  am,  cloth'd  with  thy  flesh, 
Thy  stainless  blood  infusing  all  my  veins, 
Yet,  God  the  Father's  sole  begotten  One, 
Lent,  as  thou  say'st,  a  little  while  to  thee, 
But  destined  to  accomplish  what  thou  know'st. 
Attend  me  now,  and  if  what  I  disclose, 
Be  not  sufficient  to  induce  accord, 
And  hold  thee  with  me  in  redemption's  plan, 
(Not  yet  full  well  perhaps  conceived  by  thee,) 
Thou  shalt  enjoin  me  then  somewhat  more  fit. 


KEDEMPTION.  143 

Thou  oft  hast  heard  from  me  of  war  in  lieav'n ; 

How  one  proud  spirit  rose,  and  with  him  drew 

To  base  revolt,  third  part  of  Heav'ns  sons; 

How  I  thence  thrust  them  out  to  utter  woe  : 

How  I  created  man,  with  all  those  worlds, 

Which  thou  behold'st  adorn  yon  spacious  dome. 

Those  worlds,  created  once  so  fair,  Satan, 

Through  enmity  malign,  essay'd  to  mar. 

With  what  success  in  other  spheres,  doth  not 

My  purpose  touch,  hereafter  thou  shalt  learn; 

But  what  fell  here,  the  ruin  that  he  wrought, 

Too  well  the  records  of  the  race  recount. 

Thus  man  was  dooni'd  to  like  despair,  (e'en  thou 

Had'st  been,  unless  superlative  redeem'd,) 

To  utter,  hopeless,  dark,  and  wild  despair. 

Yet,  since  by  tempting,  sin  not  innate  sprung, 

Pardon  was  offer'd  him,  could  one  be  found, 

Sufficient  to  atone  for  mortal  sin. 

I  chose  th'  atoning  sacrifice  to  be ; 

Offer'd,  and  meet  acceptance  soon  received; 

Came  to  the  world  through  thee,  the  first  redeem'd, 

Entire  redeem'd,  and  fitting  made  for  me, 

Exempt  from  common  law,  the  paradigm 

Of  earthly  favour  and  celestial  grace. 

The  prophets  thou  hast  read ;  and  know  the  theme, 

Which  most  harmonious  tuned  their  sacred  choirs, 

And  with  what  clearness,  they  redemption  sang; 

Its  rise,  through  thee;  its  course,  that  I  should  die, 

And  justice  thus  original  restore, 

The  sting  of  death  withdraw,  and  light  the  grave, 

With  rays  of  glory  from  beyond  its  borne. 

The  sting  of  Death,  what  is  it?     Sin.     Sin  then 


144  REDEMPTION. 

O'ercome,  where  are  the  terrors  of  the  tomb  ? 

And  Joachim,  and  Anne,  Joseph  just, 

What  terrors  met  they  in  the  vale  of  Death  ? 

Serene  they  lived,  by  faith,  serenely  died, 

And  pass'd  rejoicing  on  their  upward  way, 

My  rod  and  staff  secure  supporting  them. 

Mary,  that  valley's  depths  thou  too  shalt  try. 

Dost  thou  fear  Death  ?    Lift  up  the  veil  which  shrouds 

The  glories  it  reserves  for  thee  beyond 

Those  confines,  that  so  darkling  seem. 

A  couch  of  roses,  borne  on  angel's  wings, 

With  music,  wafts  thee  to  thy  heav'nly  throne. 

View  it,  sapphire  and  gold,  at  God's  right  hand, 

Near  mine,  which  waits  me  till  my  work  is  done. 

Meanwhile,  though  seeming  absent,  I  am  near, 

Beside  thee  watching,  to  defend  from  harm. 

Nor  I  alone ;  the  hosts  of  heaven  encamp 

Around,  thy  footsteps  night  and  day  attend, 

About  thee  watch,  when  sleep  o'erpowers  thy  sense, 

Stand  by  thee  when  awake,  nor  cease  to  ward 

Thee,  when  least  conscious  of  their  friendly  aid. 

Gabriel,  thou  know'st,  and  all  his  shining  train, 

Who  strict  have  charge  of  thee  to  shield  from  harm. 

Fear  not  then,  when  my  Father's  busi'ness  calls ; 

I,  for  a  time  may  leave  thee,  but  not  long, 

An'  thou  dost  not  refuse  m'  assent  to  go ; 

Such  honor  to  a  parent  owes  the  Son." 

With  ardor  thus  th'  untainted  Maid  rejoin'd : 
"  Naught  I  impede,  nor  more  invoke  thy  stay ; 
Go,  my  beloved,  sole  begotten  Son, 
Perfect  the  work  thus  given  thee  to  do. 
I  know  the  import  now  of  Simeon's  words, 


REDEMPTION.  145 

When  in  his  arms  thine  infant  form  he  took. 

I  see  the  sword  destined  to  pierce  my  soul, 

And  willingly  would  shed  my  blood  for  thine, 

Could  that  avert  from  thee  thy  deep  distress, 

Or  aid  the  cause  that  leads  thee  hence  from  nie. 

At  least  my  tears  shall  as  a  fountain  flow, 

Flow  till  the  fount  be  dry,  or  sorrow's  sum 

Of  dire,  accumulative  woe  be  fill'd. 

I  had  desired  thee  near  me,  fear'd  to  loose, 

But  now  I  see  the  motive,  that  inflames 

Thy  loving  heart,  a  motive  like  thyself, 

Supremely  good,  that  others'  woes  laments, 

Regardless  of  thine  own  ;  motive,  that  drew 

Thee  from  thy  heav'nly  throne,  and  proves  thee  such, 

As  for  transgression  only  could  atone. 

My  heart  hath  joy  in  thee,  beloved  Son; 

If  henceforth  grief  should  pierce  that  heart  with  pain, 

I'll  bear  it,  thy  grace  aiding,  for  thy  sake, 

Assured  of  thy  loved  presence,  and  such  help 

As  angel  guards,  disposed  by  thee,  may  yield." 

Behind  the  hill,  not  far  from  where  they  sat, 
A  grove  of  alders  grew,  with  chesnut  rnix'd, 
Wild  cork,  close  set  with  brush,  a  thicket  dense, 
Dark,  wild,  for  wily  ambush  fitly  built. 
Within  this  covert,  low  the  Devil  crouch'd, 
Arrear,  but  in  full  view  his  gloaming  eye, 
And  easy  length  for  his  attentive  ear. 
Each  motion  he  espied,  each  word  drank  in, 
And  marvell'd  much,  at  what  he  saw  and  heard. 
Nor,  when  they  ceased,  (such  charm  their  voice  convey'd,) 
Bethought  to  move  him,  but  with  eyeballs  set, 
And  auricles  erect,  still  strained  to  hear. 


146  REDEMPTION. 

At  last  awaked,  as  one  from  dream  or  trance, 
Roused  him  to  meditate,  when  thus  aloud, 
His  ruminating  thoughts  took  shape  and  ran  : 

"  Hah  !  something  I  at  length  hear  new  design'd, 
Though  dimly  'exposed,  with  cautious,  close  set  phrase. 
What  if  the  list'ner's  fate  betide,  to  hear 
My  cause  mispled,  me  limn'd  of  darker  shade  ? 
Much  from  their  words  of  moment  I  may  draw, 
To  aid  my  cause,  shape  my  intent.     So  then, 
(And  this  to  know  may  well  th'  adventure  pay,) 
'Tis  not  by  procreation,  he  intends 
To  fill  the  earth  with  new  and  better  men ; 
But  with  the  old,  the  self-same  ancient  race, 
Somehow  redeem'd,  and  rescued  from  my  thrall. 
Had  he  new  progeny  design'd,  like  this, 
The  second  Eve,  and  Him,  named  only  Son, 
As  I  supposed,  from  as  this  pair  began, 
Small  hope  remain'd;  I  might  have  given  o'er, 
Since  all  my  force,  the  weaker  one  repell'd, 
And  he,  no  doubt,  more  hard  to  circumvent, 
So  manly  grown,  in  native  dignity 
Erect.     Not  that  I  fear  him,  but  expect 
To  meet,  and  test  his  valor's  utmost  worth."  - 
And,  even  should  an  open  contest  fail, 
There  yet  remains  sharp  practice,  in  my  guile 
To  track  his  footsteps,  and  conceal'd  await 
Unguarded  moment,  opportune  to  tempt, 
Let  what  may  such  adventure  sly,  befall. 
But  this  redemption,  that  he  mainly  vaunts, 
And  on  which  his  advent,  'tis  said,  depends, 
What  is  't  ?     Something  inclines  me  to  regard 
It  old,  tried  heretofore,  found  empty,  vain. 


EEDEMPTION.  147 

Is't  that  which  Noe  preach'd,  and  lost  a  world  ? 

Or  after,  that  which  led  to  Abram's  call, 

And  final  settlement  in  promised  land, 

Of  his  seed  multiplied  to  countless  hordes  ? 

Which  soon  to  idols  fell,  that  is  to  me, 

Who  led  their  wisest  king  by  female  snares, 

To  worship  at  my  shrine,  and  me  adore  ? 

So,  hath  he  not,  time  was,  and  is  again, 

Them  sharp  rebuked,  call'd  stubborn,  stiff-neck'd  race, 

And  oft  resign'd  them  to  my  peoples'  sway ; 

Who  scourged,  despoil'd,  slew,  dragg'd  in  chains, 

And  for  long  years  wiped  out  their  very  name  ? 

Wherefore,  if  his  redemption  hath  not  fail'd  ? 

And  should  the  remnant,  two  bare  tribes,  define 

Whether  against,  or  for  him,  they  would  be, 

Doubt  not  Hipparcus'  fate  would  his  be  soon. 

If  this  be  thy  new  plan  then,  Son  of  God, 

I  claim  the  contest  fought,  the  vict'ry  won, 

Thou  art  defeated,  as  thou  wast  before, 

Since  not  thy  will  alone  can  this  effect, 

But  man's  incline,  which  inly  tends  to  me. 

Meanwhile,  till  this  his  plan  begins  to  work, 

'  Tis  mine  alert  to  hang  upon  his  steps, 

And  sober  watch  keep  o'er  his  devious  ways." 

Now  had  the  Baptist  gan  aloud  his  cry, 
Whom  Bethbera  long  time  conceal'd,  where  fruits 
Of  reticence  he  cull'd,  and  grew  in  grace ; 
More  rich  than  Noe,  preacher  of  justice, 
Type  of  this,  who  erst  between  two  worlds  stood, 
Pleading  with  man  to  leave  his  evil  ways; 
Plead  long,  but  not  more  earnestly  than  John, 
Last  of  the  prophets,  chief  of  th'  anchorets, 


148  REDEMPTION. 

Whose  voice  the  wilderness  awoke,  with  that 

Seraphic  cry — Behold  the  Lamb  of  God ! 

Transcending  in  his  mission  entheal, 

The  choir  prophetic,  and  than  those  more  bless'd ; 

Fill'd  with  the  Holy  Ghost  before  his  birth, 

Endow'd  to  prophesy  the  Son  of  God, 

And  more  than  they,  Him  privileg'd  to  see. 

Meeker  than  Moses,  he  before  the  Lord 

Did  stand,  clothed  in  penitential  garb, 

On  rudest  fare,  locust  and  honey  fed, 

His  drink  the  limpid  brook,  his  bed  the  lair 

Of  savage  beasts;  yet,  greater  than  Elias, 

Whom  ravens  fed  at  Carith,  while  he  shut 

The  heav'ns,  the  truth  of  Israel's  God  to  prove. 

A.S  he  on  Carmel  stood,  on  Jordan's  banks 

The  Baptist  stands,  and  with  loud  voice  proclaims 

The  axe  laid  to  the  root  of  every  tree, 

Which  beareth  not,  with  fire  unquenchable 

To  be  burnt  up,  unless  to  penance  true, 

Fruits  worthy  penance,  they  should  now  bring  forth. 

Him,  at  the  ford  of  Jordan,  Israel  flock'd 

To  hear  ;  chief  priests,  and  scribes,  proud  pharisees, 

And  lowliest  of  the  poor;  to  hear,  and  feel 

Its  pure  regenerating  waters  flow, 

Pour'd  by  his  hand,  on  their  repentant  heads. 

To  this  voice  crying,  Jesus  also  came; 

Not  to  be  cleansed  from  sin,  but  typical, 

Obedient  to  the  law  he  came  to  teach, 

To  be  baptized,  who  knew  no  sin  himself, 

Yet  bore  the  sins  of  all ;  sins  then  to  be 

Eluted,  when  blood  and  water  freely  flow'd 

From  out  his  sacred  side.     Him,  John  beheld 


REDEMPTION.  149 

Approaching,  and  with  voice  aloud  proclaimed : 

"  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God !  of  whom  I  spake, 
Predicting  he  should  come,  and  now  point  out. 
This  is  the  Man  of  whom  I  said — There  comes 
One  after  me,  who  is  preferr'd  before, 
Because  he  was  before ;  long  in  your  midst, 
Yet  not  till  now  made  known  as  Israel's  Hope, 
Her  meek  Oblation,  in  whom  is  no  sin, 
Nor  guile  found  in  his  mouth.     Behold  the  Lamb ! 
Who  takes  away  your  sins,  who  renders  void 
The  dread  hand-writing,  which  against  you  stands, 
And  with  his  blood  blots  out  your  guilty  stains. 
With  water  unto  penance  I  baptize, 
But  take  no  sins  away ;  this,  He  who  comes, 
Assured  performs,  baptizing  you  with  fire 
And  with  the  Holy  Ghost;  whose  shoes  I  am 
Not  worthy  to  unloose.     His  is  the  fan, 
With  which  he  fans  the  floor,  garners  the  wheat, 
But  all  the  chaff  consumes  with  quenchless  fire. 
Him  have  the  prophets  taught,  and  long'd  to  see, 
Him  oft  predicted,  waiting  till  he  come. 
Be  not  deceived,  nor  let  my  voice  delude ; 
He  comes  not  forth  with  pomp,  nor  vain  display, 
Nor  as  a  mighty  conqu'ror  drench'd  in  blood  j 
Not  as  of  old,  when  Moses  heard  his  voice, 
Nor  yet,  as  midst  Shekinah's  hallow' d  light, 
Where  his  effulgence  shone  with  mellow'd  ray; 
But  meek  and  lowly,  clothed  in  our  flesh, 
Our  elder  brother,  touch' d  with  our  distress, 
With  power  to  lift  the  burdens  which  we  bear, 
And  Israel  raise  to  more  than  former  state. 
On  him  the  Holy  Ghost  will  soon  descend, 

13 


150  REDEMPTION. 

And  manifest  to  all  our  Shiloh  come, 

Immanuel,  Messias,  God  with  us. 

Attend  my  words ;  let  penance  bear  its  fruits : 

For  lo,  the  axe  is  laid  to  every  tree 

That  doth  not  yield  good  fruit,  to  be  cut  down, 

And  burn'd  in  flames  of  everlasting  fire." 

So  shone  the  Baptist's  milder  beams  before 
The  Sun  of  Righteousness,  to  greet  his  dawn, 
Forerun  his  coming,  and  prepare  the  way; 
As  when  Aurora,  blushing,  tints  the  sky, 
And  o'er  the  ocean  spreads  her  rosy  veil, 
But  hides  her  glories  when  the  eye  of  morn 
Peers  from  the  Orient  in  full  blaze  of  day. 
Whom  absent,  he  had  taught,  present  he  owns, 
Then  from  his  office  finish'd,  meek  withdraws; 
Though  not  till  Jordan's  consecrated  stream, 
Pour'd  by  his  hand,  enlaves  the  Saviour's  form. 
To  which  end  coming,  Jesus  now  drew  near, 
Submissive  to  the  law  he  had  enjoin'd ; 
To  whom  deferring,  humbly  John  withheld  : 

"  Lord,  what  is  this  thou  of  thy  servant  would'st  ? 
I  rather  ought  to  be  baptized  by  thee, 
And  comest  thou  to  me  ?     Refrain  thee,  Lord ; 
Why  should  the  greater  of  the  lesser  ask  ? 
Or  how  th'  unclean  essay  to  wash  the  Pure  ? 
Thou,  in  thyself,  all  goodness  dost  contain, 
And  can'st  not,  asking,  but  receive  thine  own, 
Nor  dost  thou  need  that  we  should  thine  bestow." 

To  whom  th'  Obedient  for  obedience  sake  : 

"  Who  makes  the  law,  himself  should  law  obey, 
And  I,  who  this  enjoin,  but  crown  my  work, 
Who  come  the  law  and  prophets  to  fulfill. 


REDEMPTION. 

Did  not  himself  with  circumcision  seal 

The  Father  of  the  faithful  ?     I  as  well, 

Th'  Exemplar  of  whom  1  have  come  to  save, 

Not  less  desire  to  do  as  well  as  teach. 

Hence  1,  if  I  receive  baptism  from  man, 

None  should  refuse,  but  glad  the  same  partake. 

Nor  is  it  naught  to  thee,  that  these  should  hear 

My  Father's  voice  attest  his  Son ;  nor  Him, 

The  third  Triune,  see  visible  descend, 

And  irrefragable  my  mission  prove. 

Yet  this  to  past,  nor  thee,  alone  doth  look, 

But  higher  motive,  soon  to  be  reveal'd ; 

Whereby  regenerate,  old  Adam  dies, 

Deep  buried  in  regenerating  flood ; 

Perhaps  the  saving  waters  consecrate, 

And  thereby  typify  the  inward  fruits 

Of  that  baptism,  which  with  fire  shall  come, 

And  secret  motion  of  the  heav'nly  Dove; 

A  rite,  to  show  that  man,  unless  new  born 

Of  water  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  shall  ne'er 

See  God,  nor  in  his  kingdom  come. 

I  then,  the  first  baptized,  th'  example  give, 

Though  needing  not,  as  clean,  and  lead  the  way, 

By  which  alone,  who  me  believe,  buried 

A  moment  in  the  renovating  stream, 

May  truly'  arise  from  death,  with  life  indued ; 

Thus,  not  with  words,  but  now  in  very  deed, 

I,  a  new  rite,  not  meaningless,  confirm. 

For  justice  sake  then,  suffer  it  to  be, 

Since  thus  'tis  meet  all  justice  to  fulfill." 

So,  straight  descending  in  the  cleansing  font, 
The  Teacher  of  th'  Evangelists  received 


152  REDEMPTION. 

Its  sacred  waters  at  the  Baptist's  hands. 

Then,  from  their  depths  advancing  to  the  shore, 

Behold,  the  heav'ns  disclosed,  wide  spread  her  gates, 

And  from  her  golden  portals,  as  a  dove, 

The  Holy  Ghost  descending,  on  him  sat ; 

Whilst  rays  of  glory  wide  dispensed  the  place, 

Direct  from  Fount  of  unapproached  light, 

And,  loud  as  voice  of  many  waters  pour'd, 

Or  thunder  rolling  o'er  the  cloud  coped  sky, 

A  voice  from  the  Invisible  was  heard. 

Not  as  Elias  herd  on  Horeb's  top, 

When  fierce  winds  rove  the  mountains,  piecemeal  torn, 

And  crush'd  the  trembling  rocks,  whilst  earthquakes 

The  solid  ground,  and  fires  their  forces  spent ;     [moved 

Nor  as  in  still  small  voice  of  whistling  air, 

Which  gently  bade  the  prophet  go  his  way. 

Nor  terrible,  nor  whisp'ring  soft,  as  these, 

But  grand,  sublime,  and  loud,  loud,  yet  serene, 

Befitting  well  the  Gospel's  clearer  dawn, 

To  win,  not  terrify,  who  heard  the  words, 

With  which  the  Father  thus  attests  the  Son : 

"  Lo,  this  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom 
I  am  well  pleased :  by  nature  mine, 
Begotten  by  me  e'er  the  worlds  began ; 
True  God  of  God;  light  of  my  light;  begot, 
Not  made,  and  consubstantial  with  me  found, 
By  whom  all  things  that  are,  his  work,  subsist. 
Yet  now,  for  your  sakes,  who  thus  hear  my  voice, 
For  your  salvation  from  the  curse  of  sin, 
From  heav'n  comes  down,  incarnate,  God  made  Man. 
For  which  cause  I  have  so  exalted  him, 
And  given  him  a  name  above  all  names, 


REDEMPTION.  153 

That  in  the  name  of  Jesus  all  should  bow, 
Each  tongue  confess,  in  heaven,  earth,  and  hell. 
Him  shall  ye  hear,  through  him,  to  me  approach, 
By  whom  alone  salvation  is  conferr'd; 
For  under  heav'n  no  other  name  than  His, 
To  man  is  giv'n,  whereby  he  may  be  saved. 
In  him  my  soul  delights,  and  who  would  love 
The  Father,  first  must  love  the  Son,  nor  hope, 
Save  in  his  love,  e'er  to  draw  near  my  throne. 
Him  shall  ye  hear,  believe,  and  him  obey, 
Who  will  my  mysteries  to  you  unfold, 
The  myst'ries  of  my  providence  to  man; 
The  way  of  peace  disclose,  the  way  to  heav'n, 
To  present,  and  to  everlasting  joy; 
Joy,  which  no  eye  hath  seen,  no  ear  hath  heard, 
Nor  hath  it  enter'd  into  heart  of  man. 
Such  is  my  sole  Begotten,  well  Beloved; 
Who  him  attend  shall  also  be  my  sons, 
Adoptive  sons  and  heirs,  though  now  condemn'd, 
And  subject  made  to  Death,  through  mortal  sin. 
To  these  I'll  manifest  myself,  will  love, 
And  he  will  love,  and  they  and  we  be  one."  [dispersed, 
Here   ceased   the   Voice,  the   awe-struck    crowds 
When  by  the  Spirit  led,  the  new  Baptized, 
Towards  the  wilderness  directs  his  way. 
Dismal  the  road  the  lab'ring  Godman  trod, 
Through  where  Engaddi's  waste  leads  to  that  sea, 
Which  Death,  on  hov'ring  pinions,  dark  o'ershades ; 
Thence  east  the  Jordan,  hard  and  devious  tract, 
Where  Galaad's  range  hangs  threat'ning  o'er  Jaboc, 
On  all  sides  round  o'erhung  with  rugged  crags, 

Frowning  on  narrow  defiles,  dark  and  drear, 

in* 


154  REDEMPTION. 

Whose  sterile  soil,  averse  to  pleasing  growth, 

Or  smiling  foliage,  scarcely  'endures  the  root 

Of  scraggy  shrub,  bramble,  or  knarled  pine. 

No  flowers  spring  in  his  path,  nor  limpid  founts 

G-ush  forth  in  pearly  streams  to  lave  his  feet, 

Or  quench  his  anguish'd  thirst;  but  thorns  and  briars, 

And  prickly  pear,  ferine,  oppose  his  way, 

Whilst  turbid  torrents  rush  impetuous  down 

Through  dark  ravines,  umber'd  by  tow'ring  cliffs, 

And  obverse  reave  their  labyrinthian  course. 

Vast  was  the  solitude  and  wild ;  by  man 

Scarce  trod,  but  versant  to  the  feet  of  brutes, 

To  savage  beasts  and  ven'mous  things  a  prey ; 

Fit  place  for  demons,  gorgons,  horrors  dire, 

Of  every  shape  and  name,  hideous  to  dwell. 

Thither  the  arch-defrauder  then  withdrew, 
When  he,  defeated  by  the  Virgin,  fled, 
New  frauds,  and  fresh  piacular  deceits, 
To  ruminate.     Thence  saw,  though  powerless 
To  forefend,  th'  advent  of  the  Son  of  God  ; 
Amazed  saw  the  second  Man,  first  fruit 
Of  second  Eve,  and  in  him  saw  the  same 
Almighty  Power,  whose  thunder  o'er  his  head, 
Hurl'd  him,  sore  press'd  with  shameful,  rui'nous  rout, 
As  lightning  from  the  battlements  of  heav'n. 
Saw,  and  aghast  stood,  at  th'  auspicious  dawn 
Of  man's  redemption  :  wonder'd  at  the  plan, 
And  fired  the  base  heart  of  the  Edomite, 
The  Innocents  to  slay,  Him  to  involve. 
Rodent  with  spite,  abortive  all  his  wiles, 
Th'  immitigable  fiend,  with  redient  hope, 
Now  saw  the  Lamb  of  sacrifice  traverse 


REDEMPTION.  155 

The  dismal  confines  of  Bethbera's  wastes. 

Solitary  went  the  Son  of  God  his  way, 

While  on  his  steps  perdu  the  Devil  hung; 

In  guile  than  whom  ^Egyptus  Cetes  calls, 

Far  more  expert,  who,  on  Carpathian  shores, 

So  said,  transmutes  his  slipp'ry  form ;  now  seems 

A  tusked  boar,  with  bristly  hide,  and  now 

A  tree,  with  stately  foliage  crown'd ;  then  glides 

A  stream,  rolling  its  amber  flood  transverse 

The  plains ;  here  blows  a  storm,  and  there  a  breeze, 

Balmy  reposing  on  some  placid  sea ; 

In  every  form  quick  to  elude  the  grasp, 

Or  covert,  'scape  from  every  ambush  set. 

Thus  Satan  now  his  various  tricks  employs, 

T'  elude  the  vigilance  of  God  made  man. 

One  while  a  serpent's  folds  enclose  him  round, 

And  then  a  spotted  leopard  sly  conceals; 

A  lion  next,  he  gleams  wfth  savage  glare, 

Or  as  a  vulture,  on  some  jutting  cliff, 

Looks  gloating  down,  where'er  he  wends  his  way. 

Thus  mask'd,  the  grand  Deceiver  changed  his  form, 

As  oft  as  whom  he  sought,  his  place,  and  roam'd, 

Or  flew,  now  far,  now  near,  for  prospect  large, 

Or  close,  waiting  some  vantage  gain'd,  intent 

On  bended  wing  to  swoop,  or  couchant  spring 

From  bush  or  brake,  his  unsuspecting  prey 

To  seize ;  but  strangely  felt  himself  withheld, 

And  felt  how  thin  was  all  disguise  with  him, 

On  whom  his  fruitless  wiles  were  now  display'd. 

For  him,  th'  omniscient  Saviour  thus  beheld, 

And  heeded  not,  but  onward  moved,  stately 

With  royal  step,  whilst  innate  dignity 


156  REDEMPTION. 

Adorn'd  his  brow  and  held  the  foe  at  bay. 
Whereat  the  Devil,  wond'ring,  inly  wrought: 

"  What  pow'r  withholds  me,  potent  heretofore, 
Now  impotent  ?    To  seize,  and  hold  possess'd, 
Mine  was  erewhiles,  with  force  to  work  my  will 
On  man ;  to  lead,  mislead,  and  low  before 
Me  bow,  or  cringe,  or  fly  distraught  with  fear, 
As  for  my  purposes  I  fitliest  deem'd. 
Thus  Aaron,  at  the  foot  of  Sanai,  me 
Adored,  whilst  Moses  talk'd  with  God  atop ; 
An  equal  homage  done,  and  equal  shared, 
Though  I,  through  native  worth,  the  greater  part 
Rather,  obtain'd ;  so  as  'tis  meet,  who  reign 
Monarch  of  earth  and  hell;  he  only  'of  heav'n. 
So  Saul  me  servilely  adored  on  earth; 
His  fav'rite  Saul,  whom  I  long  time  possess'd, 
And  now  award  him  his  deserts  in  hell; 
Just  mulct,  my  jealousy  inflicts,  on  whom, 
E'en  momently,  durst  own  another  Lord. 
What  hosts  of  victims  on  my  altars  smoke, 
My  power  to  deprecate,  my  wrath  forefend, 
Or  choice,  proclivous  turn'd  tow'rds  me  their  king, 
'Twere  boteless  here  to  say.     On  all  the  race 
My  mark  indelibly  is  set;  e'en  so 
By  him  confess'd,  in  spite  of  all  his  plans. 
What  then  withholds  me  now  ?   .Is  it  goodness  ? 
Virtue?    Former  Eve  had  both,  and  yet,  she, 
From  his  to  my  dominion,  easy  fell, 
And  Adam  after  her,  lured  by  her  charms. 
Afore  this,  drew  I  not  with  me,  third  part 
Of  heavenly  hosts,  longer  who  disdain'd, 
With  abject  service  to  propend  his  throne; 


REDEMPTION.  157 

Preferring  freedom  here,  to  vassalage 

la  heav'n,  albeit  obnoxious  to  some  pain? 

Goodness  and  virtue !    Ah  me  !  in  them  once, 

How  pre-eminent  I  stood !    How  fall'n  now ! 

And  what  would  venture  to  regain  that  state, 

Created  first  like  others  to  enjoy. 

Are  these  made  better,  and  more  firm  to  stand? 

This  second  Eve,  this  Man,  so  godlike  both, 

Are  they  superior  e'en  t'  angelic  mold? 

So  my  repulsion  ruinous  forebodes. 

But  may  not  this  foreboding  me  deceive? 

Howe'er  it  be,  deceiving  or  deceived, 

One  thing  is  fix'd,  my  enmity  is  his; 

My  force  shall  him  oppose,  while  force  remains. 

He  can  but  conquer;  I,  annihilate, 

But  die ;  if  this  ethereal  substance  can 

Dissolve,  which  much  I  doubt,  since  it  withstands, 

And  has  so  long  withstood,  his  fiercest  brunts. 

Not  deathless,  then  far  better  death,  better 

Annihilation,  than  the  contest  yield. 

What  e'er  result,  or  be  he  God,  or  man, 

Or  both  united,  him  I  now  essay." 

Thus  he,  the  while  a  cormorant,  high  perch'd, 
New  frauds  devised;  and  then,  on  gyral  wing, 
Foul,  graveolent,  to  eye  the  spot  where  he 
Might  best  alight,  soar'd  high  in  ambient  air. 
Far  in  the  wilderness  a  ravine  deep, 
Near  Galaad  lies,  through  which  the  Jaboc 
Coursed  its  way  to  blend  with  Jordan's  stream, 
Hard  by  the  witness  heap,  which  Laban  raised, 
His  cov'nant  with  the  patriarch  to  seal. 
Thither,  sore  journey,  after  many  days  were  pass'd, 


158  REDEMPTION. 

Jesus  famish'd  came;  beside  the  torrent, 
Faint,  exhausted,  lay,  and  scoop'd  its  waters 
Within  his  sacred  hands,  and  sought  to  quench 
The  pangs  of  ardent  thirst,  but  nothing  found 
T'  appease  the  craving  appetite  for  food. 
Not  Jacob's  house  so  sore  the  famine  felt, 
Which  grievously  and  long  oppress'd  the  land; 
Nor  that  lone  widow,  who,  with  her  lone  son, 
Her  last  meal  measured  and  prepared  to  die; 
Nor  such  the  pangs  of  that  lamenting  seer, 
On  evil  times,  midst  evil  men,  who  fell, 
That  for  the  truth  was  long  deprived  of  bread, 
And  causeless  in  the  miry  dungeon  cast. 
Dark  was  the  hour,  and  desolate;  that  hour 
Alone  more  dark,  when  in  Gethsemini, 
His  sacred  brow  gush'd  forth  with  drops  of  blood, 
The  while  he  knelt  in  agony  of  prayer. 
That  moment  opportune  the  Devil  chose, 
To  tempt  the  virtue  of  the  Son  of  God. 
From  bestial  to  angelic  form  restored, 
The  counterfeit  of  some  bright  spirit  he  seem'd. 
A  flowing  robe  his  gashful  shape  conceal'd, 
His  waist  a  cymar  girt,  and  on  his  head, 
He  wore  the  semblance  of  a  kingly  crown; 
But  passion  marr'd  his  face,  his  lustre  dimm'd, 
Whilst  rude  grimace  for  smiles,  distorts  his  mouth, 
And  so,  with  shuffling  gait,  and  leer  askant, 
Hesitant,  from  doubt  how  the  essay  might  end,      . 
The  Tempter,  tempting  Jesus,  thus  began : 

"What!  art  thou  then  indeed  the  Son  of  God, 
Whom  we  have  heard  of  late  so  loud  proclaim'd, 
And  of  whom  fame  such  wond'rous  things  doth  tell? 


REDEMPTION.  159 

Not  such  was  Israel's  great  Deliv'rer  thought; 

They  hoped  a  powerful  Prince,  a  Councilor, 

High  named,  of  high  descent,  not  abject  thus, 

Strong  to  set  free,  and  wise  to  rule  the  state. 

Nor  yet  mere  human  shape,  depress'd,  but  God, 

Since  Son  of  God  was  their  Messias  call'd; 

And,  if  the  same  as  I  have  heard  relate, 

Who  sat  in  glory'  at  His  right  hand  enthroned, 

Equal  in  splendor  and  extended  rule, 

Hard  must  it  be  to  recognize  in  thee, 

Emaciate,  deserted,  wan,  forlorn, 

And  in  this  desert  like  to  die  of  want, 

That  mighty  Ruler,  who  in  time  should  come. 

Much  I  could  wish  to  have  this  doubt  resolved; 

For,  if  thou  be  as  said,  it  cannot  rest, 

That  such  a  Father  would  deprive  such  Son, 

Or  leave  him  without  help  in  time  of  need, 

When  all  of  earth  is  at  his  sole  command. 

E'en  man  sometimes  he  hath  endow'd  with  pow'r, 

To  work  amazing  wonders  with  high  hand, 

Some  temp'ral  need  to  serve;  how  much  more  Thee, 

His  own  Son  named,  would  he  to  succor  haste, 

Or  speedy  urge  thee,  strong  from  innate  pow'r, 

To  satisfy  the  hunger  want  impels. 

Arouse  this  power,  latent,  yet  possess'd, 

Nor  suffer  thy  distress  to  bow  thee  low, 

Else  own  thyself  th'  imposter  some  would  fain." 

So  he,  affecting  doubt  of  what  he  knew, 
And  tempting  to  distrust,  deadliest  of  sins; 
Since,  who  distrusts  the  providence  of  God, 
On  self,  or  some  forbidden  source  relies. 
Thus  tempted  he  Jehoram  to  exclaim — 


160  REDEMPTION. 

This  evil  is  the  Lord's,  why  should  we  look 
To  Him  for  further  aid,  or  longer  hope  ? 
Job  once  the  trial  knew,  but  kiss'd  the  rod, 
And  triumph'd  o'er  th'  unseen  Tempter's  pow'r. 
So  Jesus  now  with  condescension  meek, 
His  Adversary,  thus  unmask'd,  repels : 

"  Didst  thou  in  truth  not  know  me  as  I  am, 
(Though  this  I  not  the  least  confess  to  thee,) 
Thou  would'st  not  here  have  follow'd  to  attempt, 
Nor,  coming,  wove  thy  web  of  glozing  lies. 
But  deeming  me  the  refuge  sole  of  man, 
Thou  hop'st  by  fond  delusion,  trick  bold  play'd, 
To  stumble  me,  and  thus  defeat  that  aim, 
Which  leads  me  to  high  task  so  well  begun. 
Thou  know'st  my  meaning,  that  late  felt  the  foil 
Of  her,  though  weak,  who  proved  too  strong  for  thee. 
Nor  is  thy  tempting  new,  if  somewhat  changed ; 
Though,  if  thou  had'st  not  so  attempted  Eve, 
Who  stood  not  then  as  I  in  need  of  food, 
Still  would  its  baldness  thy  pretext  betray, 
And  prove  thee'  as  superficial  in  device, 
As  thin  in  thy  disguise.     That  I  refrain 
To  strip,  and  send  thee  howling  to  thy  place, 
Deem  for  response  sufficient  to  thy  quest. 
To  parl  here  e'en,  were  sin  to  all  save  One, 
To  be  persuaded  by  thee  to  do  aught, 
Though  it  should  seeming  needful  be  for  life, 
Would  e'en  my  cause  attaint;  nor  have  I  least 
That  mind.     But  waiving,  let  that  pass  the  while. 
Since  when,  hast  thou  such  marv'lous  zeal  indued, 
So  anxious  grown,  to  prove  me  Son  of  God  ? 
'Twere  to  be  thought  thou  would'st  that  proof  defer, 


REDEMPTION.  161 

Who  tasted  once  the  force  of  his  just  wrath, 
And  sorely  felt  the  weight  of  his  strong  arm. 
But,  were  it  needed,  proof  hath  been  enough, 
Since,  if  thou  stood'st  at  Jordan's  ford,  and  heard, 
Which  I  doubt  not,  me  thrice  proclaim'd  the  Son, 
Thou  well  might'st  me  believe,  natheless  no  act 
Of  mine  own  special  force  be  now  vouchsafed, 
'Twixt  thee  and  me  alone,  in  this  bleak  waste." 
To  Him  the  Tempter  boldly  this  return'd : 
"  This  weak  evasion  proves  thy  metal  false, 
Thy  high  pretence,  like  all  the  rest,  a  sham. 
Many  there  be,  who  claim  superior  birth, 
Sound  their  own  praises,  and  exalted  aims, 
Lo  here,  lo  there,  affirm  themselves  the  Christ, 
But  prove  their  boastings  vain,  when  call'd  to  work 
Some  wonder  to  attest  their  call  of  God. 
So  thou,  it  seems,  not  less  evasive,  mean'st 
To  sound  thy  trumpet,  some  weak  minds  to  dupe, 
And  credulous  make  hope  Messias  come; 
But  careful  hold'st  the  proof,  though  earnest  sought, 
That  only  can  confirm  what  thou  would'st  seem. 
Was  't  ever  heard  of  since  the  world  began, 
That  a  true  prophet  fail'd  to  work  by  signs? 
The  list  is  long,  and  many  might  be  named, 
But  one  will  well  suffice  t'  illustrate  all ; 
One,  specially  design'd  to  shadow  Him, 
Who,  many'  unite  in  firm  belief,  shall  come ; 
The  same,  that  led  this  people  through  the  wastes, 
That  erst  described  the  Prophet  who  should  rise, 
As  like  unto  himself.     How  he  their  wants 
Supplied  with  manna,  quails,  and  quench'd  their  thirst 
With  water  in  the  desert,  struck  from  rocks, 

14 


162  REDEMPTION. 

And  proved  his  power,  must  be  well  known  to  thee, 
E'en  though  that  promised  Prophet  thou  art  not, 
Nor  needs  that  I  should  time  consume  to  tell. 
Much  more  for  thee,  if  thou  be  as  'tis  said, 
Should  some  great  marvel  interpose  to  save; 
And  this  from  thee  would  set  my  doubt  at  rest. 
If  thou  be  He,  transform  these  stones  to  bread ; 
Thy  stern  necessities  supply,  nor  wait, 
In  vain  expecting  needful  aid  from  heav'n, 
Which  clear  deserts  thee  in  this  last  extreme." 
To  whom  our  Vindicator  firm  replied  : 
"And  think'st  thou  then, that  I  should  deem  it  worth 
To  give  thee  proofs  ?     As  well  cast  pearls  to  swine. 
Could  proofs  have  moved  thee,  thou  long  since  had'st 
From  ill  pervert,  to  some  more  worthy  work ;      [turn'd, 
Nay,  thou  had'st  ne'er  to  ill  been  least  inclined, 
But  like  the  rest  had'st  stood  confirm'd  in  good. 
Yet,  error  mid'st,  proofs  have  not  wanting  been, 
For  those,  who  seek  to  profit  by  their  scope. 
But  proofs  are  not  thy  wish,  not  needing  tests 
Of  what  thou  knowest  now  full  well  display'd ; 
Nor  mere  dexterity  of  sthenic  skill, 
Brief  show  of  power  to  useless  end,  and  vain, 
Thy  sole  aim  be'ing,  by  me  to  be  obey'd, 
That  I  unwitting  may  be  drawn  to  sin. 
One  word  will  show  how  shallow  thy  device, 
And  how  inapt  to  serve  thy  bent.     Hast  thou 
Ne'er  heard,  man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone  ? 
This,  he,  by  thee  invoked  to  aid  thy  plea, 
Did  fully  illustrate,  when,  in  the  Mount, 
He  fasted  forty  days,  and  talk'd  with  God. 
For  further  proof  it  was,  he,  forty  years, 


REDEMPTION.  163 

The  tribes  led  through  the  desert,  tried  with  want, 
Afflicted,  and  with  manna  fed,  which  ne'er 
Their  fathers  knew ;  showing,  that  not  by  bread 
Alone,  a  man  may  live,  but  in  each  word, 
That  doth  from  out  the  mouth  of  God  proceed. 
Thy  reas'ning  vain,  hence  proves  thee  reason  void, 
And  not  the  least  avails  to  gain  thine  ends, 
Albeit  so  many  fall  by  this  deceit, 
And  some  perhaps  who  deem  themselves  absteme." 

This  said  he,  not  devoid  of  power  to  change 
The  elements  which  he  had  made.     Order, 
Who  out  of  chaos  brought,  who  bade  the  sun 
Dispense  his  golden  beams  to  rule  the  day, 
The  moon  the  night,  and  worlds  innum'rable 
To  glitter  in  immensity  of  space ; 
Who  out  of  dust  made  man;  the  same  hath  pow'r 
Here  to  transmute  from  stones,  life-giving  bread. 
He  came  as  Man  to  suffer  and  be  tried ; 
Obedient,  he  took  a  servant's  form 
To  serve,  that  by  his  trial  well  sustain'd, 
From  sin  exempt,  and  service  freely  given, 
Sin,  he  might  blot,  and  mend  the  broken  law. 
Sorrow,  he  came  to  bear,  suff'ring,  and  want, 
And  shed  for  each  a  sympathizing  tear, 
So,  strong  with  Word  of  God,  our  foe  rebuked. 
The  Spirit's  sword,  thus  wielded,  Satan  felt, 
And  change  his  roll,  another  ruse  to  try. 
Exposed,  defeated,  yet  the  bolder  grown, 
Precipitously  rash,  the  Lord  he  takes ; 
Then,  swift  as  spirits  may,  so  Christ  allows, 
Wafts  him  through  air  to  porch  of  Solyma, 
High  on  the  Temple's  pinnacle  alights, 


164  REDEMPTION. 

And  ostentatious  thus  his  scheme  unfolds  : 

"Since  then  such  show  of  pow'r  thou  deemest  vain, 
'Twixt  thee  and  me  alone  to  work  some  sign, 
I  yield  thy  motive,  and  shall  not  be  nice, 
But  give  thee  ample  scope  to  prove  thy  right, 
To  such  exalted  name  as  thou  would'st  claim. 
Behold  this  temple,  costly  built  with  gold ; 
See  its  high  towers,  its  walls  and  spacious  courts, 
Worthy  his  fame  who  raised,  and  His  for  whom, 
Its  victims  daily  smoke,  and  off'rings  rise. 
Behold  its  ample  gates,  with  people  press'd/ 
Its  mitred  pontiffs,  solemn,  rich  enrobed, 
And  vested  Levites,  thronging  in  their  train  ; 
An  endless  multitude,  and  audience  fit 
E'en  for  the  Son  of  God,  if  he  were  here. 
These  all  expect  Messias,  Him  await, 
And  would,  did'st  thou  sufficient  motive  yield, 
Fume  thee  with  incense,  turn  their  prayers  tow'rds  thee, 
And  hail  with  fervor  their  Messias  come. 
If  thou  be  truly  He,  whom  they  expect, 
Cast  thyself  down  from  hence  to  yonder  pave, 
In  their  full  view,  and  safe  before  them  stand. 
Thou  need'st  not  fear,  though  dizzy  be  the  height; 
The  Scriptures,  which  thou  quotest,  clearly  say — 
He  '11  give  his  angels  charge  concerning  thee, 
That  in  their  hands  they  bear  thee  up,  lest  thou 
Perhaps,  shalt  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone. 
Do  this  unharm'd,  when  such  renown  shall  rise, 
Such  honor  to  thy  name,  as  well  might  please, 
Did  thy  ambition  utmost  glory  crave. 
Borne  on  men's  shoulders  to  the  height  of  power, 
Softer  than  angels  hence  would  waft  thee  down, 


REDEMPTION.  165 

A  word,  a  nod,  a  simple  look  from  thee, 

For  law  would  stand,  and  none  its  force  disown. 

Jerusalem  would  not  contain  thy  praise, 

But  fame  extend  it  to  earth's  farthest  bounds, 

Till  all  the  world,  submiss,  to  thee  would  look, 

And  lustre  add  to  thy  imperial  crown." 

Failing  to  shake  the  Saviour's  trust,  Satan, 
Quick  in  expedients,  thus  to  rashness  tempts, 
And  quotes  the  Scriptures,  as  the  Devil  must, 
With  parts  suppress'd,  that  make  against  himself. 
To  keep  thee  in  thy  ways,  the  Scriptures  say, 
Not  out  of  them ;  none  else  may  rest  secure. 
Still,  he  no  nearer  to  his  purpose  drew, 
To  sway  by  word  or  act,  whom  he  assail'd, 
Or  demonstrate  more  clear  who  he  might  be, 
But  hasten'd  rather  his  condign  repulse; 
For  Jesus  the  malignant  Spirit  knew, 
Knew  he  would  fain  attempt  what  he  suggests, 
And  held  th'  arch  felon's  power  restrain'd, 
Whilst  with  the  word's  refulgent  brond  he  slew: 

"  If  simple  act  were  vain  conferr'd  on  thee, 
Dost  think  vain  glory  better  for  thy  shift, 
To  draw  me  to  thy  purpose,  just  reproved  ? 
But  holding  thee  to  this,  do  men  give  crowns 
For  bold  gymnastic  tricks,  or  agile  feats 
Of  acrobatic  skill  ?  Or  grant  they  may, 
And  something  like  it  may  the  world  have  seen, 
What  value  should  be  set  upon  a  prize, 
Like  soon  to  be  displaced  by  fickle  crowds, 
Pleased  with  some  new  or  loftier  tumbler's  reach? 
This  for  thy  folly  take  as  apt  response, 
Though  I  naught  shun  thee  on  the  ground  assumed. 

14* 


166  REDEMPTION. 

If  He  to  man  thus  gives  his  angels  charge, 

(And,  save  the  part  suppress'd,  so  it  is  writ,) 

Why  should  man  merit  gain,  or  reap  reward, 

When  it  is  common  to  all  whom  't  concerns, 

And  each  might  gain,  who  rashness  hath  to  try? 

But  I,  if  He,  thou  hop'st  to  hear  me  say, 

Not  being  man,  could  not  the  promise  plead. 

Hence  then,  thy  test  stands  thus.     If  I  be  man, 

(Holding  thy  vain  construction  to  be  true,) 

I  fall,  to  rise  unharm'd,  and  prove  a  god ! 

But  if  I  be  Messias,  said  to  come, 

I  cast  me  down,  whom  naught  the  word  concerns, 

And  justly  meet  the  fate  such  folly  brings; 

Hence,  God  prove  mortal!  mortal  man  a  god! 

If  thy  false  reas'ning  prov'd  the  void  before, 

This  scarcely  less  should  merit  than  insane. 

But  I  thy  purpose  more  direct  repay. 

Though  it  be  special  meant,  that  He  who  comes, 

Should  most  profuse  by  angels  be  upborne, 

As  most  deserving  angels  in  his  train, 

Who  them  created  and  confirm'd  in  good, 

Still  would  thy  tempting  on  thyself  recoil, 

Break  thine  own  head,  and  prove  thee  what  thou  art, 

Which  needs  no  asking  on  my  part  of  thee. 

Here  then  the  word  of  thy  condemning  rests — 

'Tis  writ,  thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God. 

In  either  sense  this  holds,  of  God,  or  man, 

For  He  no  promise  gives,  nor  help,  to  those, 

Who  multiply  the  dangers  of  their  way, 

By  scenes  through  which  they  are  not  call'd  to  pass. 

Who  thus  attempt,  or  who  His  patience  try, 

To  save  from  rash  or  ill-confiding  trust, 


REDEMPTION.  167 

No  help  from  him  receive  in  reckless  need, 
But  swift  the  forfeit  of  their  rashness  pay." 

As  burst  the  withs  by  which  the  Nazarite 
Was  bound,  so  this  true  Nazarite  the  bonds 
Of  Satan  thus,  nor  with  more  effort,  broke; 
Or,  as  the  shepherd  youth,  with  pebbles  ta'en 
From  brook,  Philistia's  champion  subdued, 
So  Jesus  struck  his  Adversary  dumb. 
Perplex' d;  abash'd,  the  Devil  silent  stands, 
A  moment  stands,  then  redient  to  the  charge, 
With  power  permissive,  taketh  him  from  thence, 
And  placed  him  on  a  mount  exceeding  high. 
With  force  concentred  in  his  fav'rite  aim, 
He  now,  facund,  the  Son  of  God  attempts 
With  pride,  ambition,  lust  of  place  and  power, 
Which  him  first  led  t'  essay  th'  Almighty's  throne; 
Then,  more  successful,  this  our  mundane  sphere. 
By  power  theurgic,  or  angelic  ken, 
For  spirits  know  no  obstacle  to  sight, 
Opaque,  translucent,  or  condense,  or  rare, 
Through  all  they  see,  and  through  all  equal  roam, 
He  spreads  the  world  before  Him  as  a  plane; 
Shows  him  earth's  kingdoms,  and  their  power  displays : 

"  Let  thine  eye  roam,"  so  he  began  perfuse, 
"O'er  Ganges  ancient  stream,  which  'fore  thee  rolls 
Its  shining  waters  to  the  Indian  sea. 
Behold  the  fields  by  that  rich  flood  enlaved, 
Whose  gemboss'd  banks,  azure  jazel  produce, 
Topaz,  jacinth,  the  onyx,  precious  stones, 
Ruby,  turquoise,  coral,  and  orient  pearl. 
The  glory  view  of  Thibet,  Ormus,  Ind, 
Wealthy  Chinese,  and  gold  Chersonesus; 


168  REDEMPTION. 

Traverse  those  sandy  seas,  by  camels  plough'd 

In  caravans,  freighted  with  Persia's  stores; 

Cross  Hindoostanie,  whose  rich  soil,  perfumed, 

Voluptuous  winds  fan,  breathing  th'  odors  sweet 

Of  aromatic  plants,  spice,  rosewood,  teak, 

And  that  pure  oil  which  yields  its  weight  in  gold; 

Where  sabadars  and  rajahs,  high  enthroned 

On  ivory  and  pearl,  with  gems  thick  strown, 

And  richest  stuffs  of  India  inwrought, 

Bedizzen'd  gleam  in  palaces  of  gold, 

Which  emulate  the  glories  of  the  sun ; 

True  Ophir  deem'd,  whence  Israel's  third  King  drew 

His  wealth,  not  from  Taprobana's  fair  isle, 

Though  scarce  less  famed,  and  long  for  Ophir  held. 

View  Ethiop's  golden  sands,  and  Afric's  coasts, 

In  ivory  and  precious  ores  replete, 

From  where  Gerisa  rules  and  Thebes,  to  plains 

Where  Sofala  sits  queen  in  regal  state, 

By  Mocaranga,  Manic,  Mosambique; 

Wealth  kept  secluded  from  the  sway  of  Rome, 

Reserved  for  thine  acceptance,  now  by  me 

Reveal'd,  and  freely  offer'd  to  thy  need. 

Nor  less  Europa  let  thy  vision  lure, 

By  Rome's  imperial  eagles  oversway'd, 

In  arms  renown'd,  in  letters  not  remiss; 

Magnificent  in  temples,  statues,  shrines, 

With  domes  and  proud  triumphal  arcs  imbow'd, 

With  monumental  aqueducts  and  baths, 

Trophies  of  cunning  art,  and  boundless  wealth, 

By  merchant  princes  generous  bestow'd, 

Or  wrought  through  conquest  o'er  barbaric  foes, 

Holding  the  world  in  tribute  to  their  greed. 


REDEMPTION.  169 

Scythia  sends  her  furs,  the  Baltic's  waves 

Heave  amher  in  her  lap,  whilst  Babylon 

Her  costly  fabrics  weaves,  and  rich  brocades; 

Myoshorm  annual  sends  her  hundred  sail, 

Blown  by  the  hot  monsoon  to  Malabar, 

Ceylon,  and  spicy  isles,  whence  silk,  pearl,  gold, 

And  aromatic  spices  flow ;  pearls  pay 

Comaria's  tribute,  diamonds  Bengal's, 

Gems  and  sweet  spice,  Supar's  and  Celebes'. 

Nor  less  by  native  wealth  and  glory  crown'd ; 

Whose  vine  clad  hills,  whose  vales,  and  fertile  fields, 

Repay  her  husbandmen  with  pulpy  fruits, 

With  olives,  gen'rous  grape,  peach,  apricot, 

Pomegranates,  and  those  nectarous  globes, 

Which  in  Hesperian  gardens  hang,  and  draw 

Their  hues  aurate,  from  golden  beams  of  day ; 

Whilst  earth,  with  bounteous  stores  profuse  embrown' d, 

Its  cereal  treasures  in  her  garners  pours ; 

And  flocks  and  herds,  well-fed,  contented  browse 

On  every  slope,  green  mead,  and  pleasant  vale. 

Nor  from  her  surface  sole,  but,  disembowl'd, 

Mineral  wealth  yields,  silver,  gold;  richer  far, 

Tough  ribs  of  iron,  livid  gray,  copper,  zinc, 

Lucent  quicksilver,  cinnabar  and  brass ; 

Liparian  quarries  equal  treasures  yield, 

Pentelecus,  Carrara,  more  renown' d, 

And  countless  stores  beside,  that  need  not  here 

Exhaust  thy  patience,  dull  to  be  recount, 

Though  rich  the  revenue  from  each  derived, 

And  worthy  their  discern,  who  seek  to  rule. 

But  wealth  perhaps  small  influence  o'er  thee  wields, 

Long  bred  to  want,  as  sprung  from  a  poor  house, 


170  REDEMPTION. 

Though  high,  and  oft  thy  belly  pinch'd  for  food. 

To  hearts,  it  may  be,  more  thy  thoughts  incline, 

Who  rather  would  rule  peoples,  than  possess 

Their  treasured  hoards ;  though  I  the  latter  show, 

As  that,  which  most  the  people  sway,  since  who 

Earth's  garner' d  wealth  secure,  find  easy  hold 

On  all  the  rest,  and  purchase  what  they  will; 

As  witness  Sylla,  Crassus,  Lepidus, 

Who  by  their  gold,  and  largess  well  dispensed, 

Drew  all  the  Roman  world  beneath  their  sway  j 

And  thou  wilt  need,  believe  me,  no  small  sum, 

Ere  thou  attain  thy  father  David's  throne. 

Or,  if 't  be  true,  as  said,  thou  aim'st  to  rule 

The  world,  a  world  of  wealth  would  scarce  suffice 

To  buy  such  power,  which  none  but  I  can  give. 

But  thou,  so  be,  prefer  to  win,  not  buy, 

To  sway  by  bonds  of  love,  and  wisdom's  lore, 

(So  seems  the  tenor  of  thy  life  begun, 

Who  wisdom  vaunted  from  thy  earliest  years,) 

Rather  than  bind  thy  subjects  e'en  with  chains 

Of  gold,  or  glaze  their  vassalage  with  gems, 

Luxurious  feasts,  and  wealth's  seductive  goods. 

What  thou  dost  wish,  is  here  preferr'd  to  hand, 

A  world  of  peoples,  all  earth's  tribes  and  tongues, 

My  willing  slaves,  whom  I  acquit,  ready 

To  be  transferr'd  to  thee,  willing  to  serve, 

Thine  every  wish  obey,  if  thou  but  grant 

The  sole  condition,  soon  to  be  made  known. 

Let  us  expatiate  whence  last  we  view'd 

Wealthy  Europa's  coasts ;  from  Rome's  high  tow'rs 

Look  down  on  all  that  worthy  is  the  name 

Of  grand ;  thence  easy  glean  the  subject  world, 


REDEMPTION.  171 

Bound  to  her  car,  dependent  on  her  smile, 
And  abject  led  in  her  triumphal  train — 
A  power  by  me  erect,  to  me  submiss, 
Where,  whom  I  will,  receives  deific  rank." 

E'en  as  he  spake  there  rose  before  the  view, 
A  scene  triumphal,  on  the  Camp  of  Mars, 
A  motley  crowd,  midst  military  bands, 
Legions  of  foot,  with  brazen  helmets  topt, 
With  dancing  plumes,  with  shields  thick  boss'd,and  spears, 
Swords,  coats  of  mail  like  scales,  more  strong  than  hide 
Of  hippogriff,  leviathan,  to  turn 
The  point  of  spear,  or  keen  Damascus  blade ; 
Here,  turms  of  prancing  steeds,  champing  their  bits, 
Restive,  with  lordly  knights,  arm'd  cap-a-pie ; 
There,  chariots  with  smoking  teams  advance ; 
O'er  all  with  banners  waved,  vexilla  gay, 
With  standards,  high  by  hardy  veterans  borne  5 
An  endless  train  of  foot  and  horse,  with  fruits 
Of  conquest  graced,  and  now  in  pride  return'd, 
With  hosts  of  conquer'd  peoples  led  arrear, 
The  captive  kings  of  valiant  Gaul,  Egypt 
Voluptuous,  Asia's  effeminate  hordes, 
Spain,  Africa,  whom  courteous  Juba  led, 
At  first  the  foe,  after  the  pride  of  Rome. 
All  these  and  more,  too  long  to  be  narrate, 
March  stately'  along  the  great  Triumphal  way, 
To  bray  of  tube,  horn,  trump,  shrill  clarion's  voice, 
Through  Camp  Flaminius,  by  Triumphal  gate, 
To  where  Rome's  capital  nods  from  its  hill. 
(Enotria  pours  her  people  forth  to  see, 
From  Magna  Graecia  to  Cisalpine  Gaul, 
Crotona  famed,  where  Milo  saw  the  light, 


172  REDEMPTION. 

To  where  the  Var  laves  th'  Adriatic  shore. 

Earth's  martial  valor  ne'er  such  pageant  gave, 

None  equal'd,  from  that  day  when  Cyrus'  troops 

Return'd  from  Babylonian  conquest  grand; 

Or  he  of  Macedon  from  conquer'd  world; 

Or  who,  that  later  emperor  rose  of  Gaul, 

From  plebian  low  to  rank  of  proudest  kings, 

Made  kingdoms  toys,  their  princes  hurl'd  from  thrones, 

And  to  his  people  gave  with  slight  regard; 

So  little  valued  he  what  men  most  prize, 

Yet  died  at  last  on  bleak  St.  Helen's  isle. 

Liguria  swells  the  host,  whom  Genua  crowns, 

The  Taurini,  who  proud  Augusta  claim, 

And  fleet  Veneti,  ancient  friends  of  Rome, 

By  whom  the  Garni  hold,  and  that  bold  tribe, 

Which  Isaeus  fills,  and  fair  Benacus'  shore ; 

Her  muse  sweet  Mincius  sends,  to  laud  in  verse, 

The  glory  of  that  power  which  sways  the  world: 

So  Athesis,  that  claims  Catullus'  birth, 

Ravenna,  Mutina,  with  equal  zeal, 

Their  cohorts  lend  to  swell  th'  increasing  tide, 

And  those  whom  Drusus  led  from  Ticinus. 

From  Tiber  south,  and  Anio's  broad  fields, 

Where  Rome's  sev'n  hills  erect  their  stately  heads, 

Pour  Latium's  sons  and  daughters  to  the  field. 

Picenum  next,  for  juicy  apples  famed, 

Her  rural  population  copious  yields ; 

Caieta  thence,  famed  for  the  fun'ral  pile, 

By  son  of  great  Anchises  ancient  built, 

But  since  for  greater  cause,  illustrious  more, 

Who  oped  her  gates,  no  victim  to  entomb, 

But  Rome's  high  Pontiff  to  secure  from  harm, 


REDEMPTION.  173 

And  nobly  save  from  hand  of  evil  men ; 

The  same,  who  honor'd  was,  to  deck  the  crown 

Of  heav'n's  Queen  with  gem  immaculate, 

And  with  Beatitude  so  stands  endow'd. 

No  tribe  was  wanting  of  the  conqu'ring  race, 

None  of  the  conquer' d,  midst  that  pompous  show; 

All  races,  dark  or  fair,  inert  or  brave, 

To  ease  bred,  or  to  strife  of  savage  war. 

Earth  in  epitome  lay  at  his  feet, 

High  vaunted  by  the  Tempter  as  his  own ; 

Nor  in  epitome  alone ;  Spain,  Gaul, 

And  academic  Greece,  Europa  north, 

To  farthest  verge,  Asia's  extremest  coasts, 

With  Afric's  burning  sands,  and  sooty  tribes, 

Lay  in  broad  view  beneath  the  Saviour's  feet, 

And  peopled  shores,  to  Roman  world  unknown. 

Touch'd  by  the  Devil's  wand,  up  from  the  ocean 

Westward,  as  a  mirage,  sprang  the  new  world, 

Vast,  ridged  with  rocks,  Andes,  Cordilleras, 

The  Rocky  mount,  and  Apalachian  chain, 

Thick  ribb'd  with  glitt'ring  ores,  and  mines  of  wealth, 

Sparkling  with  gems,  and  laved  with  crystal  streams ; 

Throng'd  with  new  people,  frequent  tribes  and  tongues, 

Towns  populous,  with  grandeur  built,  adorn'd 

With  temples,  palaces,  and  girt  with  walls ; 

Whose  plains,  prophetic  mounds  remote  o'erspread, 

And  pyramids;  majestic  monuments, 

Surviving  nations,  long  since  with  the  past 

Number'd,  and  now  by  savage  hordes  o'errun; 

Predating  Montezumas  horolage, 

When  leaves  of  juicy  Maguay  served  for  books, 

And  signs  and  sounds  uncouth,  denoted  speech ; 

15 


174  REDEMPTION. 

Empire  vast,  from  Arctic  t'  Antarctic  drawn, 
By  oceans  wash'd,  with  green  isles  studded  o'er; 
Satan's  estate,  and  undisturbed  retreat ; 
Oft  worshipp'd  in  the  palace  of  the  sun, 
In  light'ning's  fitful  flash,  in  thunder's  roar, 
In  ocean's  foam,  and  hurricane's  fierce  blasts, 
Where  superstition  deems  him  ruling  pow'r. 
Thus  made  th'  Imposter,  with  inflated  words, 
Display;  show'd  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth, 
Their  glory,  wealth,  and  power ;  then  turning  tow'rds 
The  Son  of  God,  with  impious  tempting  said : 

"Thou  see'st  the  mighty  pow'r  I  here  wield, 
The  splendors  of  my  empire,  its  extent; 
All  kingdoms  of  the  earth,  their  glory  mine, 
Grandeur  of  cities,  multitudes  of  tribes, 
Beauty  of  earth,  the  wealth  of  kings  and  lords; 
Rich  palaces,  great  temples,  gardens,  groves, 
Whence  hecatombs  of  off 'rings  to  me  rise  ; 
Arms  and  arm'd  hosts,  and  trophies  of  their  fame, 
Fleets  of  tall  ships  for  merchandise  or  war, 
All  to  my  service  bent,  and  all  disposed, 
To  whom  my  choice  inclines,  if  they  my  cause 
Subscribe,  my  service  choose.     Nor  need'st  thou  fear 
By  supple  acrobats  to  be  displaced ; 
For,  none  may  hold  them,  but  to  whom  I  yield, 
None  sway  their  pow'r,  but  as  from  me  received, 
Nor  longer  than  I  so  permit  to  rule. 
To  Thee  then,  these  I'll  give,  if,  falling  down, 
Thou  wilt,  on  bended  knee,  me  now  adore, 
As  god  of  this  fair  world,  and  prince  of  air." 

So  spake  the  first  grand  thief,  Satan,  Eden's 
Forbidden  fruit,  who  stole,  and  thence  earth's  wealth 


REDEMPTION.  175 

Appropriated  to  himself,  from  Him 
Estranged,  who  made  it,  and  pronounced  it  good. 
Longer,  the  Son  of  God  waits  not,  to  hlast, 
With  indignation  just,  th'  obdurate  fiend, 
And  thus  disrobes  him  of  ill-gotten  power  : 

"  Whence  hast  thou,  Satan,  gain'd  this  boasted  right 
To  sway  earth's  goods  ?  to  give  them,  or  retain  ? 
Whence  came  they?  Not  from  thee.  Where  wast  thou  then, 
When  earth's  foundations,  deep  and  strong  were  laid  ? 
Did'st  thou  behold,  when  morning  stars  first  sang, 
When  Pleiades  first  join'd,  or  Arcturus 
On  fiery  axis,  ruddy  light  diffused  ? 
Or  canst  thou  move,  with  thy  united  pow'rs, 
The  smallest  planet,  that  it  bring  the  day, 
Or  cause  to  stand  at  will,  to  lengthen  night  ? 
Thy  bold  usurping  of  His  rights,  who  made, 
No  right  confers  on  thee,  who  artful,  stole. 
But  grant  thy  boasting,  yield  earth's  goods  are  thine ; 
How  small  thy  patrimony  !  vain  thy  boast ! 
Compared  with  these  vast  orbs,  which  he  who  made, 
Roll'd  at  a  word  with  ease  through  boundless  space, 
Earth's  meager  point,  invisible  to  those, 
Is  but  a  mote,  that  flits  unseen  through  air; 
Which,  if  destroy'd,  would  not  the  more  be  iniss'd, 
Than  smallest  speck  from  out  this  clod  of  earth. 
And  canst  thou,  vain,  with  such  an  atom,  hope 
To  buy,  what  in  no  case  becomes  thy  state, 
When  He,  who  made  all  these  exhaustless  worlds, 
And  to  whom  sole  allegiance  is  due, 
Can,  whom  he  will,  reward  with  countless  worlds  ? 
Judge  then,  (if  thou  material  goods  wilt  boast,) 
If  it  were  best  to  kneel  and  worship  thee; 


176  REDEMPTION. 

And  judge  how  vast  their  loss  must  be;  who  yield 

Such  homage,  due  to  heaven's  King,  to  fiend 

So  foul  as  thee.     But  give  to  earth  its  praise, 

Value  at  most,  its  cumulative  stores, 

What  nearer  art  thou  to  thy  base  design  ? 

Thou  did'st  not  make,  nor  was  it  giv'n  to  thee. 

Hell  only  is  thy  portion  and  desert. 

The  earth's  the  Lord's,  the  plenitude  thereof; 

His  are  the  cattle  on  a  thousand  hills, 

And  all  its  cumulated  stores  beside, 

The  whole  round  world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein. 

He  rules  its  kingdoms,  gives  to  whom  he  will, 

Whose  empire  everlasting  stands  secure; 

And  if  the  while  his  wrath  abstains  to  crush, 

And  bind  thee  to  the  penalty  deserved, 

Or  leave  permissive  o'er  wide  space  to  roam, 

'Tis  but  to  hold  man's  free  will  as  intact, 

As  first  he  made  it,  not  from  fear  of  thee, 

Who  future,  in  his  time,  shall  fast  be  bound, 

Held  under  chains  in  darkness  evermore. 

Nor  are  thy  proffers  less  than  thou  thyself, 

Mendacious,  arrogant,  pretended,  false; 

Vain  promises  to  dupe,  who  thee  adore. 

Since,  having  not,  thou  can'st  not  gifts  bestow, 

And  e'en  though  having,  mean'st  not  to  confer, 

But  only  hopest,  by  sleight,  to  lead  to  sin. 

Let  these  suffice  to  ward  thy  wretched  aims, 

Though  needless  giv'n,  since  thou  well  know'st  'tis  writ- 

(Nor  want  I  other  word  to  curb  thy  pride,) 

The  Lord  thy  God  shalt  thou  adore,  and  Him 

Alone  shalt  serve.     Hence  then  !  avoid  thee  !  quit 

My  sight;  lest  light'nings  of  fierce  wrath  transfix 


REDEMPTION.  177 

Thee,  whirlwinds  seize,  and  hurl  thee  'fore  thy  time, 
To  that  dim  prison,  made  for  thee  and  thine." 

So  spake  the  Son  of  God  with  kindling  ire, 
Nor  needed  second  admonition  give ; 
For,  as  some  cloud,  with  niter  charged  and  storms, 
O'erlours  the  sky,  shading  the  vales  below, 
Or,  as  when  Hecla  boils,  her  surging  fumes 
Hang  dark  o'er  land  and  sea,  so  Satan,  black, 
Not  less  in  size,  nor  umb'ring  less  the  plains, 
On  ebon  wing  took  flight;  took  instant  flight, 
Whilst  fear  his  flying  sped,  his  visage  limn'd. 
Hell  groan'd  profound  and  trembled  as  he  fled, 
Deep  to  her  inmost  depths  shook,  boil'd  with  rage, 
And,  hopeless,  gave  her  cause  to  blank  despair. 
So,  as  when  Phoebus,  glory  of  the  sky, 
Drives  night's  dull  shades  before  his  fulgent  car, 
Did  Christ  the  Devil's  futile  wiles  unveil, 
His  bold  temptation  with  a  word  dispel ; 
And,  as  his  beams  illume  the  gather'd  clouds, 
Turning  their  blackness  into  shining  gold, 
So  He  converts,  by  splendors  of  his  grace, 
Assault  to  victory's  triumphant  notes. 
The  earth  relieved,  with  exultation  shouts, 
The  heav'ns  inclining,  greet  its  rising  day, 
And  rapturous  with  halleluiahs  ring  ; 
Whilst  legionary  hosts  of  seraphs  pour, 
In  exultation  from  their  crystal  gates, 
The  Saviour's  victory  to  hail,  and  Him, 
With  angels'  food,  ambrosial  zest,  sustain. 

THE  END  OF  THE  FIFTH  BOOK. 


15* 


THE 


SIXTH   BOOK 


REDEMPTION. 


ARGUMENT. 


The  Messias,  having  fully  entered  upon  his  mission,  calls  the 
Twelve,  and  sends  them  forth  to  proclaim  his  Kingdom  at  hand. 
He  signalizes  the  commencement  of  his  mission,  by  changing  water 
into  wine  at  Cana.  He  thence  departs,  leaving  Mary  at  Nazareth, 
and  exhibits  his  divine  power  in  the  regions  bordering  on  Tiberias. 
Attracted  by  his  wonderful  works,  multitudes  follow  him;  to  whom 
he  preaches  a  sermon  on  a  mount;  he  afterwards  miraculously  feeds 
five  thousand  people  in  the  desert.  They,  astonished,  believe  in  him, 
and  wish  to  make  him  King.  He  escapes  from  them,  and,  with  the 
Twelve,  enters  into  a  ship;  a  storm  arises,  which  he  quells  with  a 
word.  He  arrives  at  Gadara,  and  heals  many  people,  casts  out 
devils,  and  does  many  wonderful  works.  The  repentance  and  pardon 
of  Mary  Magdalen. 


BOOK  VI. 

Now  had  the  Lamb  of  God  his  mission  oped, 
With  vict'ry  o'er  his  unrelenting  foe ; 
Now  the  foundation  of  his  kingdom  laid, 
And  raised  his  voice  divine  th'  elect  to  choose. 
Not  to  the  righteous  he,  but  sinners,  call'd; 
Nor  to  the  worldly  wise,  the  rich,  or  great, 
Gave  he  to  be  chief  messengers  of  grace; 
But  to  the  lowly  poor.     Simon  the  rock, 
And  Andrew,  first  he  named,  fishers  of  men; 
Next  after,  James  and  John,  Salome's  sons 
And  Zebedee's,  the  heav'nly  mandate  heard ; 
Heard,  and  their  nets  forsook  to  follow  him. 
Soon  Philip  of  Bethsaida,  own'd  his  voice, 
And  quicken'd  into  zeal,  obey'd  the  call; 
And  so  Bartholomew ;  then  Thomas,  great 
Of  heart  to  die  with  his  afflicted  Lord, 
Though  momentary  doubting  in  his  faith, 
Astonish'd  that  the  dead,  self-raised,  should  live, 
Came  at  the  Saviour's  bidding  to  the  task, 
Of  raising  souls  from  death  of  sin  to  life. 
At  Christ's  inviting  accents  Mathew  rose, 
The  customs  left  and  his  pursuit  of  gain ; 


182  REDEMPTION. 

Next  follow'd  James  of  Alpheus,  who,  join'd 
With  Thaddeus,  embraced  the  Master's  cause ; 
Last,  he,  who,  nameless  here,  betray'd  his  Lord. 
Unletter'd,  rude,  and  ignorant  of  arts, 
Unknown  to  great,  or  wise,  profound,  or  skill'd, 
These,  unction  Jesus  gave,  indued  with  pow'r, 
To  heal  the  sick,  to  raise  the  dead,  lepers 
To  cleanse,  and  cast  out  devils  in  his  name. 
Poor  in  their  spirit,  poor  in  purse,  nor  shoes 
Their  feet  supported,  nor  with  staff  their  hands, 
Who,  without  scrip,  were  sent  to  go  their  way, 
And  gather  the  lost  sheep  of  Israel's  house. 
Superior  to  the  twelve  whom  Gessen  knew; 
Those  earthly,  these  with  heav'nly  thrones  endow'd; 
And  greater  than  that  Madian  shepherd, 
Who,  from  out  the  burning  bush,  God's  voice  heard, 
Calling  him  the  Israelites  to  lead, 
From  Egypt's  bondage  to  the  promised  land. 
These  rather  God's  true  Israel  conduct, 
From  earth  to  his  true  Canaan  in  the  skies ; 
Whom,  now  commission'd,  thus  the  Master  sends : 
"  Go  forth,  companions  dear,  associates  made 
With  me  in  this  great  work;  go  seek  the  sheep, 
Long  lost,  of  Israel's  house;  and  going,  preach, 
The  kingdom  of  heav'n  is  nigh  at  hand. 
Go  heal  the  sick,  raise  the  dead,  the  lepers 
Cleanse;  freely  you  have  received,  freely  give. 
Cheerless  the  field  before  you  lies;  from  truth 
Afar,  the  people,  and  from  God  estranged; 
Iniquitous,  perverse,  contentious,  proud; 
With  hearts  depraved,  and  manners  deep  debauch'd, 
By  lusts  unclean,  concupiscence  inflamed; 


REDEMPTION.  183 

Though  nominal,  in  ceremonial  rites 
Perfuse,  external  doers  of  the  law, 
By  faction  rent,  and  sect  conflicting  torn; 
Alive,  yet  dead;  in  legal  waters  wash'd, 
Yet  foul  distain'd,  unsanctified  of  heart, 
Corrupt  and  vile;  wolves  in  God's  heritage, 
Who  fleece  the  hapless  flock.     So  Pharisee, 
And  Saducee,  Herodian  and  Essen, 
Their  mazy  errors  weave  to  Juda's  hurt, 
And  Satan's  purpose  subserve,  obdure. 
These,  ere  the  schools  of  Hillel  and  Shammai, 
Disjoin'd,  were  long  for  error  sadly  known; 
This,  sore  the  writ  by  oral  law  oppress, 
That,  spirit,  immortality  denies; 
One,  or  from  Herod,  or  Gaulonitis,  derived, 
The  gentile  law  blends  with  Mosaic  rites; 
The  last,  from  Hasdanim,  forbids  the  law, 
Increase  and  multiply,  and  fill  the  earth; 
And  all,  astray,  their  devious  errors  spin, 
Oppressors  diverse  of  God's  law  become; 
Binders  of  burdens  for  the  people's  back, 
Which  they,  perverse,  refuse  themselves  to  bear ; 
Blind  guides,  and  hypocrites,  who  heav'n  shut, 
Nor  entering  there  themselves,  nor  sun" ring  those 
That  would;  with  sanctimonious  look  and  dress, 
With  broad  phylacteries  and  fringe  enlarged, 
Who  public,  ostentatious,  lift  their  voice, 
And  God  thank,  they  are  not  as  other  men; 
Yet  poor  devour,  tithe  cummin,  auise,  mint, 
And  leave  the  weightier  matters  of  the  law, 
Mercy'  and  judgment,  still  less  to  faith  incline. 
They,  for  one  proselyte,  encompass  earth, 


184  REDEMPTION. 

Then  render  twofold  more  the  child  of  hell. 

Extortioners,  corrupt,  faithless  and  proud, 

Who  strain  out  knats,  and  swallow  camels  whole, 

Scruple  small  sins,  and  easy  great  commit. 

Foolish  and  blind,  in  lustfulness  abased, 

Clean  outside,  like  the  cup  and  dish,  within, 

Of  rapine  full,  and  every  impure  thing; 

Whited  as  sepulchers  without,  yet  charged 

As  they  with  filth,  with  charnel  horrors  crown'd; 

Though  outwardly  to  men  appearing  just, 

Full,  inward,  of  hypocrisy  and  sin. 

They  build  the  prophets'  tombs,  yet  prophets  slay, 

As  they  will  you,  both  in  their  temples  scourge, 

And  persecute,  and  crucify,  and  kill, 

That  on  them  every  just  man's  blood  may  fall, 

From  Abel  to  the  son  of  Barachias, 

Between  the  temple  and  the  altar  slain." 

So  He  the  field,  to  whom  he  call'd,  display' d, 
Much  tare  by  Satan  sown,  and  little  wheat; 
Abundant  sin,  hypocrisy  and  guile, 
Till  justice,  mercy  'and  truth,  depulsed,  withdrew 
Abash'd  from  men,  up  to  their  native  skies. 
Yet  fired  with  zeal,  by  Him  who  them  had  sent, 
Th'  Apostles  shrank  not  from  their  direful  task, 
But  peaceful  went  their  way,  lambs  among  wolves, 
His  peace  t'  impart  to  all  who  worthy  sought; 
To  heal  the  sick,  the  kingdom  nigh  proclaim, 
And  so  with  joy  return'd,  for  in  His  name, 
Subject  to  them,  e'en  devils  trembling  fled. 

Midway  the  glassy  Chinneroth  between, 
And  middle  sea,  upon  a  fertile  slope, 
Stood  Cana;  rural  town,  whose  people  bland, 


EEDEMPTION.  185 

Their  simple  life  pursued  midst  much  decay. 

A  virgin  here  espoused  a  Nazarene, 

Whose  marriage  feast,  the  Mother  of  the  Lord 

Adorn'd;  and  thither,  with  his  chosen  few, 

Jesus  invited  came,  with  pow'r  to  bless, 

And  raise  to  sacrament  of  the  New  Law. 

White  were  the  fields  with  tents,  where  joyous  bands 

Of  youths  and  maidens,  join'd  the  nuptial  sports, 

And  elders  grave  their  deco'rous  presence  lent, 

Extremes  of  mirthfulness  benign  to  check. 

Humble  the  festive  board  was  spread ;  nor  useless  forms, 

Nor  labour'd  ornament,  friv'lous  appear'd; 

Mosaic  meats,  with  barley  bread,  and  fruits, 

Supply  the  rural  feasts,  six  days  prolong' d, 

With  sacrificial  off1  rings  strict  enjoin'd; 

And  now  the  seventh  dawn'd,  to  close  the  rites. 

'Twas  at  the  mid-day  feast,  when  festive  mirth 

Wax'd  innocently  gay,  when  age,  grown  bland, 

Rubied  with  genial  smiles  and  wholesome  cheer, 

Seem'd  redient  to  youth,  the  wine  gave  out. 

Discreet,  the  Mother  whisper'd  to  the  Son, 

With  meaning  in  her  tone — They  have  no  wine. 

A  row  of  urns,  for  legal  washings  meant, 

Stand  empty  near  the  place.     These,  at  his  word, 

The  ready  waiters  now  with  water  fill, 

And,  wond'ring,  rest,  to  learn  what  new  command, 

The  Son  of  Mary  next  might  give,  or  see, 

By  what  strange  pow'r,  from  water,  he  the  feast 

Should  grace  with  wine.    Wonder,  unheard  before  ! 

Nor  sound,  nor  sign,  bespoke  the  change  he  wrought; 

For  He,  who  once  on  chaos  breath'd,  and  earth, 

All  living  things,  fruitbearing  trees,  and  vines 


186  REDEMPTION. 

With  purple  grapes  adorn'd,  the  heart  to  cheer, 
From  void,  successive  at  his  motion,  sprang ; 
Here  simply  will'd,  and  water  changed  to  wine. 
No  sound  the  silence  broke  till  Jesus  spake, 
And  bade  them  bear  the  new  made  wine  to  him, 
Who  sat  supremely  at  the  festive  board. 
Then  stands  the  Son  of  God  reveal'd  to  men, 
His  glory  manifest  to  all  the  guests; 
Who,  when  they  saw,  and  tasted,  then  believed, 
And  own'd  th'  Almighty  hand  in  this  first  act, 
Which  the  Messias'  dawning  reign  approved. 

Departing  thence,  to  Naz'reth  Jesus  came, 
Where  he  his  sacred  Mother  left,  to  wend 
His  weary  way  alone.     But  fame  before 
Him  went,  him  swift  pursued,  and  throng'd  his  steps 
With  multitudes,  the  God  made  man  to  see. 
The  Galileans  first  his  favours  knew, 
Then  round  Tiberias  his  glories  shone ; 
Next  Syria  heard  his  fame,  Decapolis, 
Jerusalem,  Judea,  and  all  they, 
Who  dwelt  beyond  the  Jordan's  swelling  flood; 
Whose  peoples  flock'd  to  hear  him,  and  enthrall'd 
His  footsteps,  as  he  journey'd  on.     Within 
Their  synagogues  he  taught,  the  kingdom  preach'd ; 
The  contrite  heart  he  heal'd,  deliv'rance  gave 
To  captives,  and  the  bond  set  free ;  to  blind 
Gave  sight,  made  deaf  to  hear,  the  lame  to  walk, 
And  loud  proclaim'd  the  acceptable  year. 
Diseases,  at  hie  bidding,  ceased  to  waste 
The  sick  man's  frame,  and  joyous  health  renew'd, 
In  cooling  streams,  coursed  through  his  fever'd  veins; 
Palsy  grew  strong  of  limb,  and  danced  for  joy; 


REDEMPTION.  187 

The  leper,  freed  from  tainting  spots,  grew  clean ; 

Tormentings  ceased ;  lunatics,  sound  of  mind, 

To  loud  hosannas  senseless  gibb'rings  changed. 

Chorozain  beheld  his  mighty  works, 

Bethsaida  saw,  but  they  repented  not ; 

Capharnaum  exalted  was  to  heav'n, 

But  deeper  than  Gomorrha  sank  to  hell ; 

For  there,  his  wonders  chief  he  gracious  wrought, 

Before  it  long  the  Deity  unveil'd, 

Yet  no  soul  saving  penance  crown'd  his  works, 

No  sackcloth,  dust,  nor  ashes,  on  them  threw, 

Their  penitential  sorrow  to  proclaim. 

Hard  by  where  Jordan  pours  its  troubled  stream 
Into  Tiberia's  sea,  there  lifts  a  mount 
Its  stately  head,  and  wide  o'erlooks  the  plain  ; 
Nameless,  until  the  heav'nly  Shepherd  led 
His  following  flock,  to  its  imbower'd  side; 
Since  then,  the  mountain  of  Beatitudes 
Is  call'd.     This,  now  the  Father  of  the  poor, 
And  Teacher  of  th'  Evangelists  approach'd. 
Along  its  grassy  slope,  gently  declined, 
Shaded  with  elms,  with  clust'ring  ivy  crown'd, 
The  eager  multitudes  around  him  crowd. 
He  sat ;  when  streams  of  heav'nly  wisdom,  free, 
From  his  bless'd  lips,  in  charming  cadence  flow'd : 

"  Bless'd  are  the  poor,  for  theirs  the  kingdom  is ; 
Blessed  the  meek,  for  they  the  earth  shall  have ; 
Blessed,  that  mourn,  for  God  shall  comfort  them ; 
Bless'd,  who  for  justice  long,  they  shall  be  fill'd; 
Blessed  the  merciful,  they  mercy  find ; 
Blessed  the  clean  of  heart,  they  God  shall  see; 
Blessed  the  peacemakers,  his  children  call'd ; 


188  REDEMPTION. 

Blessed  they,  who  suffer  persecution, 

Are  reviled,  ev'l  spok'n  against  untruly, 

For  my  sake;  rejoice,  for  great  is  your  reward 

In  heav'n,  where  you  the  kingdom  shall  possess. 

Salt  of  the  earth  are  ye,  light  of  the  world, 

A  city  set  on  high ;  your  savor  keep, 

Let  your  light  shine,  that  all  may  see  your  works. 

Keep  the  commandments,  ev'n  the  least,  and  teach 

Mankind  to  do  what  your  example  sets. 

Be  angry  not ;  nor  call  another  fool. 

Your  gift  before  the  altar  lay,  depart, 

And  with  your  adversary  first  agree, 

Then  come  and  offer  to  the  Lord  your  vows. 

Nor  swear,  nor  forswear;  let  your  speech  be  yea, 

And  nay ;  and  suffer,  but  revenge  not  wrong. 

Love  ev'n  your  enemies;  to  them  that  hate, 

Do  good ;  and  pray  for  those  who  persecute, 

And  base  calumniate  your  name  and  deeds. 

Do  naught  for  praise  of  men ;  before  your  alms, 

The  trumpet  do  not  sound,  nor  let  your  left, 

Know  what  your  right  hand  does,  and  he,  who  seeth 

In  secret,  will  you  openly  reward. 

Nor  be  your  pray'rs  with  ostentation  said ; 

But  when  you  pray,  pray  secretly,  and  say — 

Our  Father,  who  in  heaven  art,  thy  name 

Be  hallow'd  ev'r.     Thy  kingdom  come.     Thy  will 

Be  done  on  earth  as  'tis  in  heav'n.     Give  us 

This  day  our  daily  bread.     Our  debts  forgive, 

As  we  our  debtors.     Into  temptation 

Lead  us  not.     Deliver  us  from  evil. 

Thus  pray,  and  fast;  not  as  the  hypocrites, 

With  sad,  disfigured  face,  but  head  anoint, 


REDEMPTION.  189 

And  washed  face,  for  God  looks  on  the  heart. 

Lay  not  up  treasures  for  this  world,  where  moth 

And  rust  corrupt,  and  thieves  break  through  and  steal, 

For  hardly  shall,  who  riches  have,  be  saved ; 

Since,  where  the  treasure  is,  the  heart  abides. 

Be  anxious  not  for  life,  nor  meat,  nor  drink, 

Nor  wherewithal  ye  shall  be  cloth'd.     The  birds 

Sow  not,  nor  reap ;  the  lilies  neither  toil 

Nor  spin ;  yet  God  feeds  those,  and  these  he  clothes 

In  such  array,  that  Israel's  wisest  king, 

In  all  his  glory,  naught  with  them  compares. 

Judge  not,  that  ye  may  not  be  judged  ;  nor  yet, 

The  mote  within  thy  brother's  eye  regard, 

But  first  the  beam  within  thine  own  cast  out. 

Ask,  and  you  shall  receive;  seek,  you  shall  find; 

Knock,  and  it  shall  be  open'd  unto  you. 

Well  knows  the  Father,  who  in  heaven  is, 

How  all  his  children  with  good  gifts  to  bless. 

All  things  soever,  what  ye  would  that  men 

Should  do  to  you,  do  you  also  to  them. 

Enter  the  narrow  gate,  which  leads  to  life, 

And  shun  the  broad,  that  leads  to  endless  woe. 

False  teachers  heed  not,  who,  though  cloth'd  as  sheep, 

Yet  inwardly  are  false  and  rav'ning  wolves. 

Not  all  that  name  my  name  shall  enter  heav'n, 

That  preach,  devils  cast  out,  or  wonders  work ; 

But  they,  who,  hearing,  do  as  I  have  taught. 

That  man,  who  heareth  and  performs,  is  he, 

Who  builds  his  house  upon  a  rock,  which  floods 

And  winds  shall  beat  in  vain ;  who  doeth  not, 

Is  he,  who  builds  upon  the  sand,  whose  base, 

The  angry  winds  shall  sweep  as  chaff  away." 

if>* 


190  REDEMPTION. 

Mellifluous,  in  heavily  accents,  thus, 
(Though  strange  his  doctrine  to  their  listening  ear,) 
The  Saviour  taught,  with  power,  not  as  the  Scribes ; 
Then  bade  the  earnest  multitudes  depart. 
But  they,  to  silence  awed,  hang  on  his  words, 
Forward  incline,  with  eyes  intent,  and  lips 
Dispart,  as  seeming  still  to  hear  him  speak ; 
Gaze  on  the  godlike  Man,  his  features  scan, 
His  comely  face,  mild  look,  celestial  air, 
Glow  with  his  speech,  nor  doubt  who  he  may  be. 
Much  had  they  heard,  much  seen,  believing  all, 
And  loath  to  leave  on  whom  their  hopes  depend; 
Who  dries  the  weeping  eye,  who  sins  forgives, 
Who  every  fount  of  sorrow  sweetly  heals, 
And  from  immund,  jaspadean  makes  clean. 
So  they  of  Ninive'  round  the  prophet  drew, 
Close  press'd  his  footsteps,  and  repenting  heard ; 
And  so  Eliseus  to  the  Thesbite  clung, 
And  begg'd  the  spirit  that  his  master  fill'd. 
His  sacred  feet  again  salute  the  plain, 
Whilst  surging  crowds  still  press  upon  his  steps, 
This  way  or  that,  where  e'er  his  purpose  tends, 
To  see  his  wonders  and  implore  his  grace; 
Servant  or  lord,  no  pref 'rence  Jesus  gives, 
Bnt  show'rs  his  blessings  free  on  all  who  come. 
'Twas  thus  the  leper  sought  his  fav'ring  aid; 
Next  the  centurion's  servant  felt  his  pow'r, 
And  rose,  restored  to  health,  at  Jesus  word ; 
So  to  the  ruler — Go  thy  way,  he  says, 
Thy  son  is  heal'd.     Capharnaum  beholds 
The  paralytic  cured,  his  sins  forgiv'n. 
Fever,  from  Peter's  house,  his  word  dispells ; 


REDEMPTION.  191 

Nam  receives  its  dead,  to  life  restored, 
And  Jairus'  daughter  'scapes  an  early  tomb. 
Now  from  his  robes  the  healing  virtue  flows, 
And  numbers  simply  touch  him  and  are  heal'd : 
Here,  with  a  look,  the  wish'd  for  blessing  gives, 
There,  with  a  word,  dispensing  saving  grace, 
And  e'en  a  sigh,  in  secret  whisper'd,  hears. 

Eve,  brilliant  hued,  chatoyant  tinged  the  sky, 
With  shades  dedalian,  azure,  carmine,  gold, 
Wide  spread  her  blushes  o'er  departing  day, 
And  fann'd  with  zephyrs  Jesus'  aching  brow, 
As,  press'd  by  peoples,  and  o'ercome  with  toil, 
He  nearer  drew  Tiberias'  placid  shore. 
The  place  was  desert,  and  their  homes  afar, 
Whose  zeal  refused  to  list  to  nature's  needs, 
But  still  upon  his  footsteps  eager  hung, 
Three  constant  days  and  nights,  with  naught  to  eat. 
Fill'd  with  compassion  for  the  frequent  crowds, 
That  fasting,  now  so  long,  had  follow'd  him, 
The  Man  of  sorrows,  pity'ing,  tow'rds  them  yearns, 
Their  temp'ral  wants,  with  all-embracing  love, 
As  erst  their  spir'tual,  freely  to  supply. 
Thus,  graciously  inclined,  he  to  the  Twelve  : 

"  I  have  compassion  on  the  multitude, 
Who  now  continue  with  me  these  three  days, 
And  have  not  what  to  eat ;  nor  will  I  send 
Them  fasting  on  their  way,  lest  they  should  faint, 
For  some  of  them  have  come  to  me  from  far. 
Whence  then  shall  we  buy  bread,  that  these  may  eat  ? 
Or  what  provisions  have  ye  now  in  store  ?" 

This  said  he,  well  advised  what  he  would  do ; 
For,  prescient  of  his  wonderful  design, 


192  REDEMPTION. 

Benignity  sat  on  his  brow,  forecast 

Of  deep  devising,  all-providing  pow'r. 

For  who  had  once,  his  murm'ring  children  fed 

With  manna,  in  the  desert,  from  the  flint 

Bade  streams  of  living  water  flow,  had  now, 

With  handsel  skill,  unwonted  means  devised, 

To  satisfy  the  hungry  throng  with  bread ; 

When  nature's  laws  he  quite  reversed,  and  stood 

Philosophy  abash'd,  to  find  the  parts 

Were  greater  than  the  whole.     Andrew  replied : 

"There  is  a  lad  here,  who  of  barley  loaves 
Hath  seven,  and  of  fishes  two ;  but  what 
Are  they  among  five  thousand  men,  women, 
And  little  ones  beside,  that  all  might  have 
The  smallest  share  of  each,  much  less  enough 
To  satisfy  their  craving  want  of  food, 
Nor  yet  their  needful  strength  the  least  repair  ? 
Two  hundred  pennyworth  would  not  suffice ; 
How  vain  the  hope  to  satisfy  with  these." 

But  yearning  with  ineffable  desire, 
Jesus  these  few  loaves  takes,  and  bids  the  men, 
Upon  the  grassy  sward  sit  down.     Blessing, 
He  breaks ;  and  breaking,  gives  to  them  the  bread; 
So,  of  the  fish  the  same,  and  all  partake, 
And  all  are  fill'd ;  and  of  the  fragments,  when 
They  all  had  eat,  twelve  basketfuls  remain. 
So,  at  Sarephta,  he,  by  prophet's  word, 
The  widow's  meal,  and  cruse  of  oil,  made  serve 
The  need  dividual,  of  many  days ; 
And  so,  at  Kibroth,  multiplied  the  quails, 
To  serve  quotidian  his  people's  wants. 
Prophetic  wonders,  which  his  grace  design'd 


REDEMPTION.  193 

As  mystic  prototypes  of  flesh  and  blood, 
Broken  and  shed,  to  nurture  man's  true  life; 
Shadow'd  at  Cana,  here  more  clear  portray'd ; 
There  water,  wine,  now  bread  strange  multiplied, 
Shown  openly  to  sense,  to  prove  his  pow'r, 
That  slow  of  faith  might  feel,  and  own  his  truth, 
When  wine  to  blood,  and  bread  to  saving  flesh, 
He  changed,  to  feed  a  world,  through  these  redeem'd. 
Refresh' d  with  life  sustaining  food,  again 
The  Shepherd  of  the  people,  bade  them  go. 
But  closer  round  him  press  the  satiate  throng, 
And  with  strange  clamors  fill  the  sounding  shore : 

"  Messias'  come  !  the  Prince  of  peace,  our  King, 
The  King  of  Israel  he,  and  Lord  of  all; 
Who  with  good  things  his  people  fills,  with  corn 
And  wine;  none  empty  from  him  go  away. 
This  truly  is  the  Prophet,  that  should  come ; 
Give  praise  immortal  now  to  Israel's  King." 

When  Jesus  knew,  that  they  by  force  would  make 
Him  king,  he  to  the  mountains  straightway  fled; 
Where,  hid  by  thickets,  and  the  shades  of  night, 
Lissom  the  royal  Prophet  shuns  the  crowd, 
And,  with  the  favor' d  Twelve,  on  th'  other  side 
Descends,  to  Galilee's  ensabled  shore, 
Where  Peter's  ship  at  easy  anchor  rode, 
Upon  the  bosom  of  the  treach'rous  tide. 
Thither  the  hardy  mariners  ascend, 
Upheave  the  anchor,  free  her  cordage  set, 
Give  to  the  breeze  her  sails,  and  put  to  sea. 

Soft  breathing  zephyrs  play  around  the  bark, 
Its  flowing  canvass  swell,  impel  the  keel, 
And  urge  with  gentle  force  its  seaward  way. 


194  REDEMPTION. 

Sway'd  by  the  fragrant  breeze,  the  billows  heave, 
With  easy  motion  rock  the  gliding  craft, 
And  part  their  snowy  crests  before  its  prow, 
As  conscious  of  the  precious  freight  they  bore. 
Favonius  now,  on  softest  pinions  borne, 
Fresh  odors  wafts,  from  off  the  neighboring  shore ; 
Sweet  hyacinth,  wild  thyme,  and  daffodil, 
Blended  with  lotos'  sleep  producing  balm ; 
And  through  the  cordage,  soft  eolian  sings, 
Soothing  the  weary  senses,  whilst  he  fans 
The  throbbing  temples  of  the  Man  divine, 
And  peaceful  seals  his  drooping  eyes  in  sleep. 

Long  had  the  Devil  fit  occasion  sought, 
To  wreck  his  malice  on  the  Word  made  flesh, 
But  found  none,  and  much  raged,  to  find  himself 
Still  foil'd,  until  at  distance  he  thus  saw 
The  bark  of  Peter  skim  the  azure  plain. 
Swift  on  destroying  bent,  the  prince  of  air, 
Aroused  the  demons  of  the  howling  storms, 
The  brood  of  Orcus,  and  those  sisters  three, 
Who  fret  the  elements,  Eumenides, 
With  vengeance  armed,  pestilence  and  war; 
And  earth's  nefareous  brood,  Abdeel,  vexer 
Of  God,  Talmai,  of  Anak  giant  son, 
Whose  atlantean  back,  from  ocean's  depths, 
Upheaves  the  waves,  and  rocks  the  solid  ground. 
These  now  he  bids  concenter  all  their  force, 
Upon  the  bosom  of  Tiberias'  sea, 
With  foamy  winds,  loud  blust'ring,  to  oppress, 
And  wreck  their  malice,  on  the  slumb'ring  crew. 
Nor  dally  they;  but,  swift  as  missile,  shot 
From  hollow  tube,  sharp  cuts  the  shrieking  air, 


REDEMPTION.  195 

They  speed  fuliginous  their  sev'ral  ways. 

Terah  the  north  wind  blows,  Hermon  the  south, 

To  meet  tempestuous  on  the  boiling  waves. 

Enon  the  sky  with  brumal  mists  obscures, 

Whilst  writhen  thunderbolts  dread  Barak  weaves, 

And  livid  flames  shoots  thwart  the  crasset  sky. 

Gerasa  first  their  cresive  fury  feels, 

Whose  ruins  still  attest  their  dev'lish  spite, 

Dreaded  by  Ismael,  and  Dj  crash  call'd. 

Blacker  than  night,  two  clouds,  by  demons  driv'n, 

From  points  adverse,  in  angry  contest  meet, 

With  hell's  insufferable  nitrous  fumes, 

WTith  patt'ring  hail,  and  roaring  torrents,  charged, 

Obscure  the  azure  cope  and  blot  the  stars. 

As  two  athletes  meet,  in  wrestling  skill'd, 

Equal  in  fury  and  impetuous  force ; 

If  small  with  great  contests  may  be  compared ; 

They  clinch,  they  stand,  they  strive,  then  plough  the  field, 

Involved  in  clouds  of  dust,  that  reach  the  skies; 

Hither  and  thither  turn,  then  prostrate  fall, 

Inseparably  join'd,  shake  the  firm  ground, 

And  cleave  deep  furrows  through  the  gory  sand. 

So  these  convolve,  awhile  contend  aboon, 

Then,  with  resistless  force,  impetuous  swoop, 

And  tear  the  ruin'd  town ;  its  turrets  crash, 

Huge  beams  dispart,  and  wide  its  ruins  spread ; 

Lop  ancient  oaks,  and  root  them  from  the  soil; 

Nor  stay  their  fury  there,  but  seek  the  main, 

And  o'er  Tiberias'  sea  tempestuous  pour. 

Accressent  grown,  its  nappy  billows  heave, 

As  lofty  mountains  copp'd,  and  white  with  foam, 

Then,  fierce  effused,  o'erwhelm  the  hapless  bark, 


196  REDEMPTION. 

Her  cordage  snap,  enrive  her  snowy  sails, 
Split  her  tall  masts,  and  whelm  her  in  the  waves. 
The  furies  ride  upon  the  howling  blast, 
Grin  from  the  clouds,  and  roar  amidst  the  sea, 
Deep  ope  its  hoiling  chasms,  and  the  frail  ship, 
From  height  of  crested  billows,  frightful  hurl, 
Down  the  steep  plane  to  yawning  gulfs  below. 
As  some  shorn  leaf,  the  hoary  forests  pride, 
By  whirlwinds  driven,  skims  the  sere  champaign, 
Here  toss'd  in  eddies,  there  aloft  the  skies, 
Alternate  beats  the  tortured  earth  and  clouds, 
And  rest  finds  none  from  the  autumnal  wave. 
So  Peter's  bark,  on  bouging  billows  borne, 
Now  passive  sinks,  now  scuds  the  blaring  storm. 

Roused  from  their  slumbers,  drench  in  briny  foam, 
The  seamen  frighted  wake,  and  piteous  moan, 
Ply  all  their  strength,  tug  at  each  ore  in  vain, 
The  storm  defies  them,  and  the  demons  rail. 
They,  sore  dismay'd,  upon  the  Master  call — 
Lord  !  car'st  thou  not  we  perish  in  the  storm  ? 
Save,  save  thy  chosen,  who  implore  thine  aid. 
From  sleep  profound,  the  Master  waking,  rose, 
His  face  irradiant,  and  his  mien  composed ; 
He  on  the  boiling  ocean  calmly  gazed, 
And  to  its  troubled  waves  said — Peace,  be  still. 
The  elements,  their  Maker's  mandate  hear ; 
Light'nings  to  flash  cease,  thunders  hush  their  roar, 
Clouds  swift  disperse,  the  wild  winds  check  their  course, 
Th'  impending  billows  sink,  and  all  is  calm. 
Soft  zephyrs,  tripping  o'er  the  smiling  sea, 
Ambrosia  tinctured,  od'rous  scents  exhale, 
Whilst  each  glad  star,  desert  the  azure  dome, 


REDEMPTION.  197 

Shines  o'er  the  waves  and  mocks  the  blushing  dawn. 
The  chosen  Twelve  salute  these  fav'ring  signs, 
Their  Master  worship,  and  his  pow'r  extol; 
Revive  their  courage,  soon  dismiss  their  fears, 
New  spread  the  sails  and  steer  towards  the  shore ; 
When  bands  of  cherubs  seize  the  trembling  wreck, 
And  instant  waft  them  where  they  wish'd  to  be. 

Gadara  kiss'd  his  feet,  and  all  the  coasts 
Of  Pella,  Gerasen,  and  Dalmanuth, 
Where  pow'rs  of  darkness,  undisputed  held 
Infernal  sway.     Here  he  his  grace  display'd, 
And  legions  dispossess'd,  transferr'd  to  swine, 
Driv'n  headlong  fathoms  deep  beneath  the  sea; 
Unloosed  the  tongues  of  whom  the  devils  bound, 
With  sweetness  to  discourse  his  praise ;  open'd 
Their  sealed  eyes,  his  glory  to  behold ; 
Healed  the  rich  man's  son,  whom  spirits  tore, 
Hurl'd  oft  in  fire,  or  in  the  gurgling  pool; 
Made  them  confess  his  name  and  heav'nly  birth, 
Him  Jesus  call,  Son  of  the  most  high  God, 
And  prone,  entreat  him  to  withhold  his  pow'r. 
Nor  only  those  he  saw  heal'd,  but  gracious 
Sent  his  all-commanding  voice,  majestic, 
To  th'  utmost  bounds  of  Juda's  vexed  realm. 
Syrophenicia  heard,  and  greater  faith 
Display'd  than  he  in  Israel  had  found. 
The  Tetrarch's  steward's  wife,  Joanna,  thus 
Deliv'rance  of  him  sought,  and  seeking,  found ; 
Nor  less  Susanna,  who,  from  demons  freed, 
Dispensed  needful  aid  to  him,  who,  though 
Possess'd  of  all,  poor  for  their  sake  became. 
Such  acts  of  grace  the  Merciful  dispensed, 


198  REDEMPTION. 

Till  through  Judea  willing  crowds  pursued ; 
Some  to  believe,  others  to  scoff  and  gibe, 
The  Saducees  to  doubt,  the  Scribes  to  mock, 
And  Pharisees  to  cavil  at  his  words. 

Imbosom'd  in  a  circling  ridge  of  hills, 
Beside  Taberias'  placid  lake,  where  once 
Its  shores  with  floral  bloom,  with  juicy  plants, 
And  fruits,  and  fragrant  shrubs,  were  rich  imbrown'd, 
(Though  desert  now,  with  awful  silence  ruled, 
As  well  befits  which  heard  the  Saviour's  voice 
Command  its  raging  billows  to  be  still,) 
Reposed  Magdala,  villa  far  renown'd, 
Voluptuous  retreat,  costly  adorn'd, 
With  teeming  fountains,  streams,  and  gay  parterres, 
Whose  shaded  alleys,  ambient  declined, 
Through  gentle  slopes,  and  undulating  meads, 
With  myrtle,  ivy,  hazel,  laurel,  crown'd, 
Whose  various  perfumes,  bland,  diffused  the  air 
With  enervating  sweets,  and  soothing  balm. 
Birds  ever  warbled  in  their  leafy  shades, 
Whilst  purling  rills,  and  brooks,  cascades,  and  founts, 
Their  nect'rous  dews  distill'd  in  golden  spray. 
Not  famed  more  Alcinous'  gardens  bloom'd, 
Nor  varied  more  with  fruitful  plants  and  trees; 
Nor  those  of  him  incestuous  Myrrha  bore, 
Whom  annual  the  Syrian  maids  lament, 
Anemone,  by  Argive's  daughters  call'dj 
Nor  more  licentious  those,  than  this  retreat. 
Amidst  its  groves  the  stately  villa  rose, 
Of  costly  cedar  built,  fretted  with  gold, 
By  skilful  hands  with  ivory  inwrought, 
And  plates  of  burnish'd  silver  rich  emboss'd; 


REDEMPTION.  199 

Voluptuous  with  couches,  crimson  screens, 
With  hangings,  fringes,  cornices  and  frieze, 
And  floors  with  cunning  marquetry  inlaid, 
The  splendid  garniture  of  lustful  pride. 
Here  Mary,  surnamed  Magdalen,  abode, 
When  e'er  caprice,  or  satiate  desire, 
The  o'erstrain'd  senses  clogg'd,  with  vain  delights, 
At  Herod's  court.     A  high  born  Jewish  inaid'n, 
She,  a  sensual  beauty,  frail  as  fair, 
Virtue  had  barter 'd  for  those  transient  joys, 
Which  on  the  Tetrarch's  train  seductive  hung 
Of  friv'lous  youths;  or,  at  Magdala,  fed 
The  flames  of  her  inordinate  desires; 
Where,  cloth' d  in  tissues,  wrought  with  silk  and  gold, 
She  plied  lascivious  wiles  on  those  who  saw, 
And  hung  upon  her  smiles;  or,  skill'd  in  song, 
With  lute  and  harp,  beguiled  the  fleeting  hours; 
Or,  crown'd  with  garlands,  bacchant  led  the  dance, 
Her  golden  tresses  sporting  in  the  breeze, 
As  coy  she  fled,  or  bold  advanced  to  meet, 
Who  follow'd  in  the  train,  thus  wanton  led. 
Altern  capricious,  sad,  as  gay  before, 
Oft  melancholly  wove  its  baleful  spell, 
And  sudden  dash'd  her  evanescent  bliss. 
For  sev'n  bad  spirits,  Asmodai  the  chief, 
Long  time  possess'd  her,  as  the  lustful  sev'n, 
Whom  Sara  wed,  nor  ceased  till  fishy  fumes, 
By  Tobit  raised,  dislodged  the  spright,  and  drove 
Him  from  his  prey;  or,  as  the  son  of  Cis, 
Whom  oft  familiars  held,  till  Tsai's  son, 
With  pastoral  harp  and  song,  charm'd  them  away. 
Some  fame  of  Jesus  Magdalen  had  heard; 


200  REDEMPTION. 

His  beauty,  matchless  excellence,  and  truth, 

Compassion,  wisdom  e'en  in  youth  display'd, 

Integrity  unbending,  virtue  strong, 

Which  from  the  path  of  rectitude  ne'er  swerved. 

She  wonder'd  at  his  words,  more  at  his  pow'r, 

Such  as  report  had  brought  them  to  her  ear, 

And  long'd  to  see  so  marvelous  a  man. 

Meanwhile,  compunction  fill'd  her  sensuous  heart; 

Her  wanton  life  disturbed  her  and  distress'd, 

Grief  roll'd  its  troubled  waves  o'er  her  sad  soul, 

And  oped  the  sluices  of  her  beaming  eyes. 

The  luctual  tide  her  snowy  bosom  heaved, 

And  penitential  tears  her  cheeks  bedew'd. 

Jesus  beheld  her,  though  she  knew  it  not; 

As  he  the  guileless  Israelite  first  saw, 

Or  her,  who  came  from  Sichar  to  the  well, 

Long  ere  his  presence  their  devotion  warm'd; 

Saw  her,  and  heard  each  sigh,  treasured  each  tear, 

Nor  waited  more  that  healing  balm  to  yield, 

Which  secret  bade  the  impure  demons  flee, 

And  gave  th'  impulse  that  her  towards  him  drew. 

The  secret  influence  her  spirit  own'd, 

Yet  knew  not  whence  its  soothing  force  emaned. 

Rising,  she  sought  the  Saviour  through  the  town, 

And  sought  long  time  in  vain  with  tears  and  groans. 

Not  stronger,  with  desire  to  quench  his  thirst, 

Longs  for  some  cooling  stream  the  panting  hart; 

Nor  with  such  anguish  sought  the  Tyrian  queen, 

Her  absent  hero  on  the  Libyan  shore. 

Now  Jesus  sat  at  meat  in  Simon's  house, 
With  many,  who  had  come  the  Man  to  see, 
Whose  works,  coterminous  with  Jewry  wrought, 


REDEMPTION.  201 

Cressive  diffused  his  thaumaturgic  fame. 

Him,  there,  at  last,  when  almost  lost  to  hope, 

The  trembling  penitent  believing  found. 

Unspeakable  compassion  sat  serene 

On  his  unsullied  brow,  while  sanctity, 

With  beams  pervasive,  radiant  deck'd  him  round. 

That,  sweetly  urged  her  on,  but  this  withheld, 

Recall'd  the  tainture  of  her  guilty  soul, 

Depress'd  her  spirits,  paralyzed  her  limbs, 

And  held  her  fainting,  scarce  the  threshold  o'er. 

Sore  conflict  raged  within;  the  prime  impulse 

To  shrink,  and  fly  whom  ardently  and  long, 

She  had,  unworthy,  sought.     But  love  divine, 

The  contest  brief  decides,  and  swift  impels, 

Whom  fear  repell'd  before.     Versant  in  grief, 

And  o'erwhelm'd  with  woe,  prostrate  in  dust, 

At  Jesus  feet,  the  sinner  hastive  bows. 

No  word  she  utters,  no  complaint  prefers, 

But  sighs  and  groans,  with  flooding  grief  renews. 

The  sacred  tide  elutes  the  Saviour's  feet, 

Streams  o'er  his  eouch,  and  pours  along  the  ground, 

Acceptable  to  him,  who  saw  its  flow; 

Each  drop  more  precious  deem'd  than  costliest  pearls, 

Than  diamonds,  or  rubies,  gems  or  gold. 

The  flowing  tresses  of  her  silken  hair, 

So  oft  with  winsome  toil  to  lure  bedight, 

Profusely  fall,  and  veil  her  beauteous  face, 

In  mazy  folds  float  round  her  loving  Lord, 

And  wipe  the  briny  torrent  as  it  rolls. 

His  feet  she  kisses,  noints  with  costly  nard, 

And  sighing,  faints  with  ravishment  away. 

As  Mary,  thus  in  low  contrition  bends, 

17* 


202  REDEMPTION. 

And  meek  her  sinfulness  with  tears  deplores, 

The  self-sufficient,  inward  doubting,  shrank 

With  loathing  from  the  wailful  scene,  and  thus 

Within  himself  gan  doubt — If  this  Man  were 

The  Prophet  that  'tis  said,  he  would  have  known, 

Who,  and  what  manner  of  woman,  is  she, 

That  toueheth  him,  and  this  opproby  shunn'd. 

E'en  his  disciples,  with  indignant  brow, 

And  other  some,  who  sat,  ask'd — Why  this  waste  ? 

So  that  grand  thief,  entrusted  with  the  bag, 

And  sold  his  Master's  blood  t'  increase  his  store, 

With  dark'ning  brow  at  Bethany  complain'd, 

The  treasure  was  not  lavish'd  on  the  poor, 

Not  that  their  needs,  him  infamous,  concern'd, 

Who,  evil-eyed,  but  gloated  on  his  gains, 

And  envious  gazed  on  every  gen'rous  deed. 

Th'  Omniscient  saw,  and  their  misjudging  judged, 

With  words  perite  their  uiurmurings  suppress'd, 

And  on  the  suppliant  his  compassion  pour'd. 

Meanwhile,  the  Magdalen  her  gifts  bestow'd, 

Whose  fragrant  odors  fill'd  the  house,  and  rose 

Acceptable  as  incense,  to  the  throne, 

Where  Mercy  sits ;  yet,  more  acceptable 

Her  sighs,  her  tears,  her  precatory  grief, 

That  ne'er  the  ear  of  Mercy  plead  in  vain. 

To  whom,  returning  love,  for  love  thus  giv'n, 

With  sense  of  joy,  inefiable  composed, 

The  Blest  One,  blessing,  sweetly  beaming  said — 

Thy  faith  hath  saved  thee,  Mary ;  go  in  peace. 

Much  hast  thou  loved,  and  much  hast  been  forgiv'n. 

Such  were  the  links  celestial,  acts  of  grace, 
The  golden  chain,  from  love  and  mercy  wrought, 


REDEMPTION.  203 

Which  drew  and  sweetly  bound  each  penitent, 

Familiar  to  the  Saviour's  shelt'ring  side. 

Nor  only  deeds ;  sweeter  than  e'er  her  songs 

Arcadia  discoursed,  or  minstrelsy, 

Beside  her  babbling  rills  and  grassy  meads, 

Symphoneous  to  her  past'ral  pipes,  entoned, 

His  words,  harmonious,  clear,  oracular, 

With  grace  endow'd,  divine  morality, 

Compassion  soft,  in  melting  cadence  flow'd. 

Such  as  the  lips  of  Daphnis  ne'er  attain'd, 

Who  from  Castalia's  fount  took  copious  draughts 

Of  eloquence  and  harmony  divine. 

Or  than  the  royal  Psalmist's  harp  more  sweet, 

Which  breath'd,  the  livelong  day,  enchanting  notes, 

And  vied  with  music  of  celestial  spheres; 

Or  bless' d  Isaias,  who,  in  burning  verse, 

His  voice  prophetic  lent,  to  celebrate 

The  holy  One,  who  deigns  my  song  t'  inspire. 


THE   END    OF   THE    SIXTH   BOOK. 


THE 


SEVENTH   BOOK 


REDEMPTION. 


ARGUMENT. 


Jesus  converses  with  the  Samaritan  woman,  who  believes,  and 
also  many  of  the  Samaritans;  departing  from  among  them,  he  returns 
to  Galilee ;  he  foretelh  his  death.  Peter's  confession  of  the  faith, 
and  his  reward.  The  Transfiguration  of  Christ  on  Mount  Thabor. 
He  commences  his  journey  to  Jerusalem.  Crowds  follow  him  from 
all  parts;  his  journey  becomes  a  triumph;  the  people  salute  him  with 
hosannas,  pave  the  way  before  him  with  their  garments,  and  with  palm 
branches.  He  weeps  over  the  city,  and  pronounces  its  doom. 


iFtEJD  E  :vc  :E>XIO  isr. 


BOOK  VII. 

Twixt  Ebal  and  Garizim,  sacred  mounts, 
With  sylvan  bowers  and  shades  the  midst,  gardens 
Luxuriant  in  spices,  myrrh,  and  balm, 
The  vale  of  Sichem  lowly  lies  conceal'd; 
Where  all  the  Patriarchs  serenely  sleep, 
In  rock  hewn  tombs,  enduring  as  the  hills, 
And  pious  pilgrims  annual  resort, 
To  mourn  the  dust  of  their  departed  sires. 
Now  Jacob's  well  was  there ;  and  fervid  noon, 
With  rays  direct,  fell  sorely  on  his  head, 
A.S  near  its  brink,  the  Saviour,  wearied  sat. 
Hard  by  stood  Sichar,  where  plantations  broad, 
Of  olives,  yearly  shed  their  snowy  flowers, 
Their  silver  leaves  spread,  and  mature  their  fruit. 
Fruit,  which  on  Olivet  first  grew, 
Whence  Noe's  faithful  dove  her  token  brought, 
Of  the  assuaging  flood.     Hence  Lucia  came, 
Intent  to  draw  water  from  out  the  well. 
Custom  by  Rachel  sanctified,  and  through 
The  east  with  due  esteem  observed.     Of  her 
The  Master  courteous  ask'd  to  drink.     So  he, 
Whom  Abram  sent,  of  Bathuel's  daughter  ask'd, 


208  REDEMPTION. 

And  of  the  comely  maid  received,  with  all, 
Who  journey'd  in  his  train.     But  Lucia  said  : 

"  How  is  't,  that  thou,  a  Jew,  dost  ask  to  drink 
Of  me,  who  am  Samaritan  ?  Thou  know'st, 
Or  ought  to  know,  since  Persia's  greatest  king, 
The  tribes  restored,  who  on  Garizim  built, 
Where  all  men  should  the  Father  strict  adore, 
(Though  you  say  at  Jerusalem's  the  place,) 
The  sons  of  Juda  with  Samaritans 
Communicate  not,  nor  observe  their  law." 

Thus  she ;  to  whom  the  Merciful  replied  : 

"  If  thou  didst  know  the  gift  of  God,  and  who 
It  is,  that  saith  to  thee — Give  me  to  drink, 
Thou  would'st,  perhaps,  have  gladly  ask'd  of  him, 
That  he  to  thee  would  living  water  give. 
Who  drinks  of  this,  though  cool  and  crystal  clear, 
Shall  thirst  again ;  but,  of  the  water,  he 
That  drinks,  which  I  will  give,  shall  ne'er  thirst  more ; 
For  in  him  it  shall  rise,  a  living  fount, 
A  well-spring  unto  everlasting  life. 
Believe  me,  for  the  hour  draws  near,  yea  is, 
When  on  this  mount,  nor  at  Jerusalem 
Alone,  ye  shall  the  Father's  name  adore. 
Ye  worship  what  ye  know  not ;  but  we  know, 
For  only  is  salvation  of  the  Jews. 
God  is  a  spirit;  and,  who  him  adore, 
Must  thus  adore — in  spirit  and  in  truth." 

With  words  like  these,  the  Chief  of  seers  spake, 
Held  her  amazed,  while  he  her  life  portray'd, 
II in  Gospel  shadow'd,  its  true  spirit  preach'd, 
And  from  the  elemental  flood,  upraised 
Her  easy  thoughts  to  that  pure  fount,  which  flows 


REDEMPTION.  209 

From  out  the  throne  of  God,  exhaustless  stream, 
And  boundless  sea  of  mercy,  truth  and  love. 
Purer  than  Cedron's  waters,  on  whose  banks, 
The  Saviour  loved  to  wander,  and  at  night, 
When  Cynthia's  placid  beams  his  couch  effused, 
Who  had  not  elsewhere  to  repose  his  head, 
Would  lay  him  down  upon  its  bank  to  sleep  ; 
Or  Siloe,  sacred  pool,  whose  streamlet, 
Gently,  and  with  noiseless  flow,  th'  oracle 
Of  God  enlaved,  and  healing  virtues  free 
Bestow'd,  when  Ithiel's  pinions  fann'd  its  waves. 
Material  these,  and  to  surcease  disposed, 
With  local  bounds,  and  partial  to  the  race ; 
That,  spiritual,  laves  the  Maker's  works 
Wide  as  the  world,  coterminous  with  air, 
With  genial  flow  pervades  diseased  souls, 
And  yields  to  all  its  health  restoring  balm. 
Its  overpow'ring  flow,  Lucia  now  felt, 
Deep  drank  the  precious  stream,  so  freely  oped, 
And  briefly  thus  her  wak'ning  faith  express'd: 

"  I  know  that  the  Messias  comes,  the  Christ ; 
And  when  he  comes,  all  things  he  will  unfold." 

Jesus  that  moment  chose  his  truth  to  seal, 
And  to  the  sinner  thus  himself  reveals  : 

"  I  am  the  Christ,  who  now  do  speak  with  thee." 

Prevenient  grace,  its  soft'ning  influence  lent, 
Rain'd  gently  o'er,  and  fructified  the  seed, 
Congenial  sown,  in  long  time  fallow  soil. 
Moisten'd  by  streams  from  this  celestial  fount, 
The  seed  sprang  up,  and  speedy  bore  its  fruit, 
And  ready  whiten 'd  stood,  for  harvest  ripe. 

Contrite  before  the  Teacher,  Lucia  stands, 

'  ' 

! 18 


210  REDEMPTION. 

la  sadden'd  plight,  with  all  her  life  reveal'd; 
Proof  to  her  mind,  that  he  the  Christ  should  be. 
By  this  absorb'd,  no  longer  she  delays, 
But  turning,  hastively  to  Sichar  flees, 
There  tells  the  wond'ring  people  all  she  heard, 
And  earnest  bade  them,  ardent  in  her  hope, 
Come  see  a  Man,  who  hath  my  life  disclosed; 
Behold,  and  say  if  this  be  not  the  Christ. 

Astonish'd  at  her  speech  the  people  rise; 
They  come,  they  see,  they  hear,  and  own  the  Lord; 
More  from  the  words  he  spoke  in  their  behalf, 
Than  for  the  woman's  words,  who  first  believed. 
Tarry'ing  awhile,  with  meats  refresh'd  his  chos'n, 
Knew  not,  Messias  thence  departs,  once  more 
Through  Galilee  to  wend  his  weary  way. 
Familiar  with  the  Twelve,  he  holds  discourse, 
Unfolds  the  scriptures,  prophecies  explains, 
Compendious  reveals  the  Gospel's  plan, 
And  all  the  suff'rings  that  his  life  must  crown. 
Shows  them  that  he  must  to  Jerusalem 
Repair,  be  there  as  felon  seized  by  scribes, 
By  ancients,  and  chief  priests ;  there  be  condemn'd, 
And  put  to  death ;  but  that,  triumphant  o'er 
The  grave,  he  on  the  third  day  should  arise. 

"  Let  him  ;"  for  so  the  heav'nly  Teacher  said ; 
"  Let  him  then,  who  would  follow  me,  himself 
Deny,  take  up  his  cross,  and  thus  pursue; 
For  who  his  life  would  save,  his  life  shall  lose; 
But  who,  for  my  sake,  will  his  life  resign, 
The  same  shall  save.      But  naught  shall  profit  him, 
Who  g;iins  the  world,  and  casts  himself  away. 
And  he,  who  is  ashamed  of  me,  or  words, 


REDEMPTION.  211 

That  I  shall  speak,  of  him,  the  Son  of  Man, 

When  in  his  majesty  he  comes  to  judge 

The  world,  at  the  last  day,  ashamed  shall  be. 

And  now  I  say  to  you,  that  some  be  here, 

Who  shall  not  taste  of  death,  until  they  see 

The  Son  of  Man  in  his  new  kingdom  come."          [heart 

With  sadden'd  mien,  with  thoughts  depress'd,  yet 
To  kindling  heart,  close  in  communion  join'd, 
They  journey'd  on  the  dreary  desert  through, 
Until  with  bleeding  feet,  to  Paneas 
They  came,  when  thus  he  question'd  whom  he  sent, 
Question'd,  though  not  unknowing  what  he  ask'd  : 

"  Whom  do  men  say,  that  I,  the  Son  of  Man,  am  ?" 

All  men  he  knew,  and  needed  not  that  man 
Should  him  instruct ;  who  every  heart  had  made,    . 
Omniscient  read,  what  every  heart  contain'd. 
But  that  momentous  hour  had  come,  when  he 
Design'd  to  constitute  that  corner  stone, 
On  which,  next  to  himself,  his  Church  is  built. 
With  various  tribute  to  his  varied  powers, 
Or,  as  they  several  received  th'  impress, 
They  thus  replied  :  "Some  say  the  Baptist,  ris'n 
From  the  dead ;  and  others  some,  Elias ; 
Others  attest,  thou  Jeremias  art; 
And  some,  or  he,  or  of  the  prophets  one." 

Jesus,  benignant,  to  the  faithful  few, 
Tben  ask'd:  "  But  whom  do  you  say  that  I  am  ?" 

With  ready  faith,  unhesitant  they  stand, 
With  one  accord,  to  own  him  Christ  the  Lord, 
Th'  anointed  Saviour,  whom  the  prophets  preach'd, 
And  Israel  long  with  expectation  sought. 
But  he,  who  first  was  call'd,  was  forward  most, 


212  REDEMPTION. 

The  first  was  now  to  say,  the  one  for  all : 

"  Thou  art  the  Christ,  Son  of  the  living  God." 
Not  in  his  own  strength,  nor  as  of  himself, 
The  inspired  primate  this  confession  made. 
Though  first  in  zeal,  impetuous  yet,  and  rash, 
He  least  might  seem  to  merit  this  renown ; 
But,  taught  of  heav'n,  him  the  Father  chose, 
Chief  to  proclaim,  Jesus  the  Son,  divine. 
With  heav'nly  complaisance  the  Saviour  smiled; 
Smiling,  he  spake,  and  thus  the  Chief  endow'd  : 

"  Bless'd  art  thou  Simon;  for,  nor  flesh,  nor  blood, 
Hath  this  reveal'd  to  thee,  but  God  alone, 
My  Father,  who  in  heaven  is  enthron'd. 
And  now  I  say  to  thee,  Simon,  Bar-Jona, 
§on  of  the  dove,  who  hears  and  who  obeys, 
Thy  name  henceforth  is  Cephas,  Peter,  Hock; 
And  on  this  rock,  will  I  build  up  my  Church, 
Nor  'gainst  it  shall  the  gates  of  hell  prevail. 
The  Keys  of  heaven  I  to  thee  will  give, 
And  what  thou  bind'st  on  earth,  or  what  thou  loos'st, 
The  same  shall  be,  or  bound,  or  loosed,  in  heav'n." 

So  spake  the  Author,  Finisher  of  faith, 
And  set  that  Rock,  which  next  t'  himself  secure, 
Doth  stand;  nor  storms  of  time,  nor  floods  of  wrath, 
Hell's  powers  insane,  nor  error,  heresy, 
Or  sin,  from  its  firm  basis  can  remove. 

Earth,  and  the  pow'rs  of  hell,  full  oft  had  paid, 
Their  tribute  to  the  great  Immanuel's  name; 
But  now,  to  seal  the  truth  of  Peter's  faith, 
A  dazzling  ray  gleams  from  the  throne  on  high, 
The  Sun  of  Righteousness  bedecks,  and  part 
Reveals  his  native  splendor  of  the  sky. 


REDEMPTION.  213 

On  th'  eastern  border  of  Esdrela's  plain, 

Mount  Thabor  lifts  its  odoriferous  head; 

Renown'd  before,  but  now  immortal  made, 

Since,  on  its  flowery  heights,  the  Saviour  deigns, 

To  unfold  the  crystal  gates  of  his  abode, 

And  with  celestial  legions  throng  its  top. 

Brighter  than  those  of  old,  a  num'rous  host, 

Which  Debbora  and  Barac  thither  led, 

By  mandate  of  the  Lord,  till  Sisera  came, 

With  banner' d  hosts,  in  panoply  of  war, 

When  Israel,  victor  crown'd,  resplendent  stood. 

Greater  than  those,  outnumber'd  and  outshone, 

The  radiant  hosts  emblaze  the  cresset  air, 

And  closely  gird  the  sacred  mountain  round. 

So,  once,  the  heav'nly  hosts  impearl'd  the  walls 

Of  paradise,  ignescent  which,  with  light 

Sequaceous  glow'd,  when  primal  innocence 

Innate,  the  prime  of  human  kind  adorn'd. 

Though  less  resplendent  that,  than  this  beseem'd, 

As  planets  shine  less  than  the  noonday  sun. 

Apart  from  others,  Christ,  the  favour'd  three, 

Peter  the  Chief,  and  James  and  John  beloved, 

Led  from  the  vale  up  Thabor's  fertile  top, 

And  'fore  them  heav'nly  bright,  transfigured  stood, 

Whilst  Moses  and  Elias  with  him  talk'd, 

Of  what  should  him  at  Solyma  befall. 

His  face  was  changed  to  lustrous  as  the  sun, 

As,  glorified,  his  form  translucent  shone, 

With  spotless  sheen  encircled,  where  he  stood 

Raised  from  the  ground;  though  all  its  brilliance  forth 

He  put  not,  in  mid  fulgence  mild  withheld. 

So  Moses  saw  it,  talk'd  with  God,  and  lived, 

18* 


214  REDEMPTION. 

When  terrors  crown'd  the  mount,  where  laws 

Promulged  the  mulct  of  sin ;  but  peace  this, 

And  dawning  light,  with  ray  serene,  portray'd. 

So  Saul  of  Tarsus,  breathing  threats  of  death, 

This  vision  saw,  and  struck  with  blindness,  fell. 

Beneath  his  feet  as  liquid  crystal  seem'd, 

White,  clear;  whilst  dazzling  rays,  on  all  sides  round, 

Up  as  a  fountain  luminous  arose, 

In  countless  streams,  celestial  bright  and  pure. 

His  garments  whiter  than  the  driven  snow, 

Canescent  glow'd  with  th'  increated  beams, 

Beams  inaccessible,  serene  effulged, 

That  from  eternity  the  throne  imbow, 

And  veil  the  Deity  as  with  a  cloud; 

Dark  from  excess  profound,  unfathom'd  bright, 

Which  seraphs,  thrones,  and  powers  explore,  nor  scan 

Undazzled,  but  enthrill'd,  their  faces  veil'd, 

Prostrate  on  heaven's  golden  pavement  fall, 

And  hide  them  from  the  else  too  radiant  beams. 

Nor  stand  the  chosen  three;  but,  sore  afraid, 

Prone,  on  their  faces  fall,  enerved,  when  from 

A  bright  o'ershadowing  cloud,  the  Father's  voice 

Was  heard  exclaim  :  "  This  is  my  Son,  beloved, 

In  whom  I  am  well  pleased ;  the  figure 

Of  my  substance,  substance  of  myself, 

Who  equal  with  me,  and  eternal  reigns; 

In  whom  alone,  who  me  would  please,  can  please, 

Through  whom  alone,  the  Saints  be  raised  to  bliss, 

And  by  whom  the  redeem'd  are  saved  from  death. 

Him,  shall  ye  hear,  true  Teacher  of  the  world, 

In  whom  the  law  by  Moses  is  fulfill'd, 

Old  things  dispensed,  all  things  become  as  new. 


REDEMPTION.  215 

Him  hear,  believe  his  words,  and  Him  obey, 
The  legislator,  who  alone  gives  law, 
Who  gives,  and  in  his  right,  who  takes  away ; 
Gave  you  the  Old,  and  now  indites  the  New. 
Who,  to  your  Fathers  spake,  and  with  high  hand, 
And  outstretch'd  arm,  redeem'd  from  Egypt's  yoke, 
Led  through  the  wastes  of  Mara  to  this  land, 
Which  to  the  Patriarch  had  promised  been; 
But  now  himself  in  person,  who  comes  down, 
True  Israel  to  lead,  through  wastes  of  Sin, 
To  everlasting  joys  beyond  the  skies." 

The  Son,  whom  erst  the  favour'd  three  had  seen 
Disguised  as  man,  debased  to  servants  form, 
Now  glorified,  as  God  before  them  stands, 
With  his  celestial  splendor  manifest;    •,'*•''• 
Attest  complete,  reflex  divine,  of  all 
The  Father's  brightness  in  the  Son  enshrined. 
So  they  beheld  him,  in  his  fulgence  bathed, 
A  sea  of  light,  exhaustless  round  them  pour'd ; 
And  saw  how  Adam's  flesh,  though  sin  pollute, 
When  in  the  Mediator's  righteousness 
Regenerate  it  stands,  irradiant  glows, 
And  similates  the  glory  of  the  skies. 
With  rapture  thrill'd,  suffused  with  heav'nly  joy, 
They  long  to  tabernacle  at  the  gate, 
Where  Moses  and  Elias  with  him  talk'd ; 
Unknowing  what  they  said,  in  doubt  to  move, 
Such  reverential  awe  held  them  transfix'd 
To  that  bright  spot,  where  glory  stood  disclosed. 
But  Jesus  bade  them  rise,  and  gently  led 
The  way,  from  Thabor's  glorious  height,  with  charge 
To  tell  no  man  the  vision  they  had  seen, 


216  REDEMPTION. 

Until  he  had  arisen  from  the  dead ; 

Then,  brief  discoursing,  thus  beguiled  their  ear : 

"These  things  the  Father  hides  from  worldly  wise, 
But  to  the  meek  his  mysteries  unfolds ; 
None  but  th'  omniscient  Father  knows  the  Son, 
And  those,  to  whom  the  Son  himself  reveals. 
Prophets. and  kings  have  long'd  to  see  the  things, 
Which  you  behold,  but  died  without  the  sight ; 
To  hear  these  things,  but  not  the  priv'lege  found. 
And  now,  up  to  Jerusalem,  I  go, 
To  do  and  suffer,  as  hath  been  fortold."  [breath'd, 

Spring  now  had  twice  with  fragrance  sweet,  soft 
On  Juda's  fertile  soil,  and  gaily  thrown 
Her  emerald  robe  of  beauty  'cross  the  fields, 
With  Flora's  glowing  train  enamell'd  o'er, 
Since  Jesus  had  his  heav'nly  mission  oped  j 
The  third,  he  bent  his  steps  tow'rds  Sion's  hill. 
Perfumed  the  air  was  with  Jasrnina's  breath, 
With  Hybla's  thyme,  and  Cacia's  spicy  lobes ; 
Her  golden  circles  'round  Amellus  flung, 
And  fill'd  her  cups  with  Carmel's  crystal  dew; 
Balsam  and  fir,  by  clust'ring  ivy  twined, 
On  each  green  slope  and  russet  mead  disposed, 
From  scented  blossoms  sweetest  airs  exhaled. 
Here,  shaded  alleys,  tall  with  cypress  grew; 
There,  leafy  elms  spread,  willows  pendent  hung, 
Till  purple  vines,  their  broad  leaves  flexile  threw 
Around  their  leafy  tops,  a  pleasing  shade. 
More  pleasing  now,  illumined  by  those  rays, 
Which  round  the  Saviour's  sacred  head  still  glow, 
The  beams  of  heav'n,  on  Thabor's  top  assumed. 
Native  to  Him,  but  to  that  prophet  lent, 


REDEMPTION.  .  217 

Who,  on  the  mount  of  terror,  talk'd  with  God, 

When,  through  Petraea's  sterile  wastes,  he  led 

The  stiff-neck' d  tribes,  and  gave  the  law  in  vain, 

To  whom  this  Prophet,  antitype  of  him, 

Brings  grace  and  truth,  with  mystic  shades  dispensed. 

To  Nairn  first,  the  Glorified  his  steps 

Directs,  where  he  the  dead  to  life  restored; 

Divergent  thence,  through  Jezrael  he  pass'd, 

A  beauteous  vale,  luxiant  in  palms, 

Profusely  water'd  by  perennial  founts; 

Where  Achab  built  his  palaces  and  groves, 

And  after,  met  the  vengeance  just  of  heav'n. 

Thence  down  by  Bethsan,  near  that  limpid  bourn, 

Which  Jezrael  empties  in  the  hallow'd  stream, 

Springing  a  fount,  near  Telelradi's  slope, 

And  with  the  Banias  in  the  Houly  flows, 

Through  flowery  fields  with  graceful  verdure  spread, 

And  growth  luxuriant  of  herbage  wild ; 

Nor  wanting  sandy  plains,  with  pinys  deck'd, 

With  grateful  interchange  of  flowers  and  ferns, 

Of  joyous  sunshine,  and  refreshing  shades. 

Here,  fenny  banks,  with  osiers,  bulrush,  reeds, 

With  bending  willows,  in  dense  coverts  grew; 

There,  beachen  glades,  inspersed  the  hills  between, 

With  tamarisk  and  arbute,  dotted  o'er, 

Whilst  nodding  oaks,  on  every  hill  top  grew; 

Alluvial  meadows,  here  rich  pastures  yield, 

Which  bulls  of  Bethsan  fatt'n,  with  favour'd  kine, 

And  wanton  fleecy  flocks,  and  am'rous  goats ; 

Manasses  lot,  rich  heritage,  possess' d 

By  Amrnon  once,  to  Gilead  outspread, 

And  Edom,  laved  by  Jordan's  swelling  flood  ; 


218  .  REDEMPTION. 

A  prospect  large,  luxuriant  diffused, 

Where  Israel  his  pastoral  skill  display'd. 

Not  unobservant  pass'd  the  Son  of  Man, 

These  verd'rous  scenes,  yet  paused  not  for  repose, 

Nor  ceased  his  heav'nly  mission  to  fulfill, 

Tracing  his  way  profuse  with  acts  of  grace. 

Here  heal'd  the  sick,  there  snatch'd  from  death  his  prey, 

Now  penitential  grief  with  pardon  sooth'd, 

Then  dried  each  weeping  eye,  and,  with  the  oil 

Of  gladness,  bounteous  pour'd,  each  heart  assuaged, 

Till  hill  and  valley  glad,  responsive  rang, 

With  rapturous  acclaim  Iramanuel's  praise. 

The  ford  of  Jordan  he  at  Bethsan  cross'd, 
Pursued  the  wand'rings  of  that  famous  stream 
To  Zephon,  thence  Ainathus  took,  Succoth, 
Rural  retreats,  in  Jordan's  verdant  vale, 
To  Debir,  tortuous  course,  until  the  ford, 
Where  John  baptized,  Bethbera,  now  once  more 
Laves  his  worn  feet,  and  gently  o'er  the  stream 
To  Juda's  hallow'd  soil,  bears  him  refresh'd. 
The  city'  of  palms  receives  him  next,  where  rose 
That  fount,  whose  waters,  barrenness  and  death 
Brought,  blight  untimely,  premature  decay, 
Until  the  prophet  bade  them  healing  flow. 
But  now,  a  greater  than  Eliseus,  stands 
On  that  sequester'd  spot,  and  richer  floods 
Pours  out  of  tenderness,  compassion,  love, 
Chief  of  Samaritans,  who  came  with  these, 
To  heal  the  nations,  and  redeem,  who  sit 
The  shadowy  vale  within  of  sin  and  death. 
Here  blind  Bartimeus,  and  that  hapless  twain, 
At  Jesus  bidding,  ope  their  eyes,  to  see 


REDEMPTION.  219 

Whom,  pertinacious  they  had  loud  implored. 

As  him,  the  Canaanite  believing  sought, 

With  zeal  persistent,  till  her  pray'r  was  heard ; 

As  long  who  of  his  friend  in  vain  ask'd  bread, 

By  importunity  at  length  obtain'd ; 

Or,  who,  with  constant  ply,  the  unjust  judge, 

Perpetual  wearied  to  avenge  her  cause ; 

So  these,  for  earnest  asking,  though  rebuked, 

Were  heard,  awaked  to  life  and  light,  and  made, 

Not  temporal  sole,  but  heav'nly  joys  to  see. 

Bethania  soon  the  Saviour's  triumph  hails, 
Where  he  o'er  death  new  trophies  had  achieved, 
By  Laz'rus,  roused  from  slumber  and  the  tomb. 
Wide  spread  his  fame  was,  and  transcendent  pow'r, 
In  sacred  peans  hymn'd,  with  loud  refrain, 
Borne  on  the  voice  of  gath'ring  multitudes, 
That  proflucnt  his  way  prevented,  heuum'd, 
And,  in  unsever'd  phalanx  leagued,  pursued. 
Far  other  triumph  than  Thriambus  knew, 
With  bacchanalian  revels  lew'd  distaiu'd, 
Which  Romulus  ensanguined,  Tarquin.  proud, 
With  laurel,  vine  leaves,  ivy  deck'd,  and  spoils, 
Led  through  Flaminius  Campus,  to  that  gate, 
Which  sprinkled  was  with  blood  of  captives  slain; 
Made  hideous  more  by  sounds  of  revelry, 
And  shrieks  of  victims,  dissonant  with  drums, 
Pipes,  cymbals,  lutes,  and  horns,  in  discord  bray'd. 
Not  so  the  Son  of  David ;  bur,  with  crowds, 
Released  from  bondage,  on  he  conqu'ring  comes; 
His  triumph  graced  with  captives,  freed  from  chains 
Of  death  and  hell.     Before  him  lenp'd  the  lame; 
Saw  him  the  blind;  shouted  his  praise  the  dumb; 


220  REDEMPTION. 

And  every  sick  man,  redolent  with  health, 

Grew  strong  to  swell  the  rolling  tide,  which  bore 

Him  fluent  on  tow'rds  Olivet's  blest  hill. 

Thousands,  whom  he  had  fed,  and  whom  set  free 

From  Satan's  dition  fell;  the  lepers  cleansed; 

Captains  of  bands,  centurions,  rulers,  they, 

Who  had  his  works  beheld,  and  who  believed. 

Lunatics,  strong  of  mind  and  reason  now, 

With  powers  devote  to  him,  who  them  restored ; 

Many,  who  touch'd  his  garments  and  were  heal'd, 

Or,  on  whom,  he  his  sacred  hands  had  laid, 

Or  at  a  word,  bade  fever,  rheum,  flux,  gout, 

And  slow  consumption's  ghastly  ravage,  cease. 

The  Twelve  close  follow'd,  with  their  Lord  the  midst, 

Meek,  lowly,  seated  on  a  gentle  foal, 

New  to  the  yoke,  on  which  no  man  had  sat, 

Until  the  Master  now  his  use  employs; 

As  Iddo's  son,  inspired,  bef  >re  had  sung — 

Rejoice,  daughter  of  Sion  ;  shout  for  joy, 

0  daughter  of  Jerusalem  ;  behold, 

Thy  King  will  come  to  thee,  Jesus  the  just, 

Thy  Saviour,  poor,  and  riding  on  an  ass. 

Sing  now,  0  muse,  in  flowing  numbers  tell, 
Who  thus  their  faithfulness  anew  display, 
To  grace  the  triumph  of  the  Son  of  Man. 
First  sing  the  seventy,  those  whom  Jesus  sent 
To  heal  the  sick,  the  pow'rs  of  hell  bubdue ; 
Of  whom  stood  Lucius  chief,  evangelist, 
Physician ;  later,  friend  beloved  of  Paul ; 
Then  Marcus,  the  first  fruit  of  Peter's  zeal, 
Who  th'  other  (Jospel  wrote,  divine  inspired ; 
Next  Zebedee,  whose  sons  were  of  the  Twelve, 


REDEMPTION.  221 

And  John's  disciples,  to  the  Master's  care 

With  love  bequeath'd.     Simon  the  leper,  heal'dj 

Bartimeus  blind;  then,  who  his  bed  took  up 

And  walk'd,  his  palsy  cured,  his  sins  forgiv'n ; 

His  brethren,  James  and  Joseph,  Simon,  Jude, 

Believers  now,  with  hope,  love,  joy  and  peace, 

In  his  blest  footsteps,  glad  with  others  tread. 

Nor  fails  to  find  his  place,  though  distant,  he, 

Who  to  the  Master  came  by  night,  and  learn'd 

The  mystery  of  the  newer  birth,  without 

Which,  none  approved,  the  heav'nly  kingdom  see; 

So  Zacheus,  chief  the  publicans  among, 

His  zeal  displays  incongruous  from  the  tree. 

Conspicuous  in  the  way,  Cleophas  comes, 

Near  kinsman  of  the  Lord,  with  Alpheus ; 

Whilst  Lazarus  more  near,  amidst  the  throng, 

His  loud  hosannas  to  the  Saviour  sang; 

Refret  melodious,  borne  on  num'rous  tongues 

Of  men,  and  holy  women  not  a  few, 

Who  of  the  Saviour's  grace  had  freely  drunk; 

A  throng  innumerable,  all  whom  to  name, 

Nor  mortal  tongue  be  found,  nor  ear  to  hear, 

Though  each  be  written  in  the  book  of  life. 

Supreme  midst  these,  as  first  in  merit,  She, 

To  whom  the  angel  hail  said,  'bove  all  bless'd; 

Though  reticent,  retired  apart,  as  best 

Beseems  the  pattern  of  humility ; 

On  either  side  by  two  sustain'd,  who  bore 

Her  name,  and  humbly  shared  her  faith,  her  love,     ^ 

Devotion,  and  her  zeal ;  this,  Magdalen 

Surnained ;  that,  she,  who  chose  the  better  part, 

Which  nor  the  world  could  give,  nor  take  away. 

.. ..  19 


222  REDEMPTION. 

So  Martha,  from  much  serving  now  released, 
The  one  thing  .needful  carefully  attends. 
Salome  next,  with  Susan,  and  Joan, 
Not  less  their  pious  ministrations  lend, 
Who  all,  from  Jesus,  some  rich  blessing  gain'd, 
Nor  thought  too  much  their  substance  thus  to  yield, 
And  ready  service,  to  requite  his  love. 
So  Lucia,  now  in  legal  wedlock  bound, 
Her  place  finds  in  the  midst  those  joyful  bands; 
With  utt' ranee  glad,  her  twofold  spousals  sings, 
And  loud  hozannas  to  Messias  come. 
Not  less  replete  in  numbers,  nor  with  love 
Less  glowing,  came  that  earnest  band,  whose  babes, 
The  Saviour  to  his  bosom  pressing,  bless' d, 
And  set  before  his  chosen  as  the  sign 
Of  meek  simplicity,  confiding  love, 
Through  which  alone  the  kingdom  is  attain'd; 
Whose  voices  now,  amidst  the  frequent  throngs, 
In  silver  sounds  of  sweetest  melody, 
Complete  the  diapason  of  his  praise. 
Far  o'er  Judea's  plains  the  music  floats, 
Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David,  King ; 
Their  lisping  babes  repeat  the  hallow'd  cry, 
Till  echoing  rocks  return  the  rapt'rous  theme, 
Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David,  King; 
The  hills  rejoicing,  multiply  the  sound, 
Soft  breezes  waft  it  on  their  trembling  waves, 
Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David,  King ; 
.   Blessed  is  He,  who  cometh  in  the  Lord. 

Whilst  meads,  and  vales,  and  Jordan's  amber  flood, 
Cascades  and  fountains,  streams,  and  sparkling  rills, 
Awake  their  voice,  and  loud  hozannas  sing. 


REDEMPTION.  223 

From  Israel's  utmost  bounds  the  triumph  rolls ; 
All  hail  Messias  bless'd,  and  own  him  Lord. 

Sarephta  pours  her  numbers  copious  forth ; 
Libanus'  fruitful  vale  unites,  nor  less 
The  plains,  brow'd  by  fair  Herinon's  snowy  range. 
Batanaea,  to  half  Manasses'  sons 
Allot,  irriguous  vale,  from  Canatha 
To  Galaad  outstretch'd,  which  Argob  ruled, 
And  Astaroth,  where  moon'd  Astarte  reign'd, 
To  other  precepts  now  lend  chasten'd  ear, 
And  other  praises  warble  on  their  tongues. 
So  Zabulon,  the  land  of  ships,  to  Tyre 
And  Sidon  seafaring,  on  thither  side, 
On  this,  by  Cisson  copious  enlaved, 
Their  sons  from  Abila  to  Hepha  send, 
To  join  the  chorus  of  Immanuel's  praise. 
Nor  fail  Tiberias'  coasts,  where  most  his  works, 
And  most  his  mighty  pow'r,  were  free  display'd, 
From  Gerasa  to  Gelbus,  fields  of  blood, 
Adusted  long  by  dev'lish  malice,  spite ; 
But  now  redeem'd  and  fruitful  made  in  works 
Acceptable,  by  David's  royal  Son, 
Last  of  the  prophets,  last  of  Juda's  kings. 
The  last  Anointed,  whom  the  people  sing. 
Nor  Perea  stands  remiss,  by  Ammon  fenced, 
By  Arnon,  Jordan,  Pell ;  for  in  his  train, 
The  sons  of  Reuben,  from  those  rugged  heights, 
Incrassate  numbers  pour,  con  join' d  with  Gad. 
And  so  Samaria,  frequent  dotted  o'er 
With  sacred  footprints  of  the  Son  of  God, 
Her  grateful  tribute  to  his  honor  pays ; 
Who  now  believing,  hastens  to  adore 


224  REDEMPTION. 

Messias  found ;  from  every  fertile  field, 

Each  sunny  hill,  from  busy  mart  and  town, 

The  beauty  of  her  daughters,  pride  of  sons, 

Free  homage  grateful,  thus  profusely  yields ; 

And  with  the  seed  of  Benjamin  and  Dan, 

With  Simeon's  sons,  and  Juda's,  that  believed, 

In  waves  tumultuous  roll,  far  as  from  shore 

Of  dread  Asphaltites  to  middle  sea. 

A  band  more  dense  than  that,  and  fervent  more, 

Which  from  the  land  of  bondage  came,  across 

Arabicus,  through  Shur  and  Setim  led  ; 

More  num'rous  these,  more  earnest,  and  more  glad, 

The  air  with  shouts  and  jubilation  fill ; 

Messias  victor  hail,  the  Prince  of  peace, 

Victor  o'er  sin,  and  death,  and  hosts  of  hell, 

Author  of  grace,  the  Way,  the  Truth,  the  Life. 

On  Olivet's  commanding  brow,  at  length 
The  Mediator  stands.     Before  him  winds 
Gehenna,  vale  of  death,  grim  gate  of  hell, 
Which  they  from  Hinnom  name,  and  those  sad  fields 
Of  judgment  yet  to  come,  harsh  Josaphat; 
Whose  fires  to  Moloch,  strong  with  human  flesh, 
Unsuaged  with  human  gore,  perpetual  burn, 
Insulting  heav'n,  and  loud  for  vengeance  call. 
Beyond,  o'er  this  dread  vale,  stupendous  rose 
That  sacred  hill,  mount  Sion,  thence  beside, 
Those  other  three,  Moriah  chief,  where  stood 
The  house  of  gold.     Not  that  by  Israel's  king, 
Replete  endow'd,  where  glow'd  the  Mercy  seat, 
The  cov'nant  Ark,  the  altar's  sacred  flame, 
And  where  between  the  golden  cherubim, 
Shekinah  mild  his  radiance  diffused, 


REDEMPTION.  225 

In  unconsuming  fire,  or  neath  a  cloud, 

The  bright  effulgence  temper'd  of  his  beams; 

But  that,  which  Antipater's  basest  son, 

Propitiatory  built,  of  glitt'ring  white, 

And  thick  emboss'd  with  gold;  whose  sacred  porch, 

Whose  porticoes  and  towers  magnificent, 

Profuse  with  sculpture  exquisite  o'erwrought, 

Irradiant  glisten'd,  glorious  as  the  sun. 

In  orient  splendor  shining,  wide  before 
Messias,  now  its  regal  courts  unfold, 
Its  pinnacles,  and  turrets,  bright  emblazed, 
Beauteous  to  sight  extern,  but  foul  within; 
A  house  of  prayer  to  den  of  thieves  convert. 
On  either  side,  fair  Salem's  spacious  ways, 
Before  the  sorrowing  Messias  spread; 
Her  walls  impregnable,  all  her  proud  domes, 
Her  palaces,  and  heav'n  assaulting  towers, 
In  stately  grandeur  lift  their  lofty  heads. 
Prescient,  he  seeni'd  to  tread  that  griefful  path, 
Which  from  Antonia's  base  to  Calvary  led, 
Through  gate  of  Justice,  soon  to  be  distain'd ; 
Explores  her  crowded  streets,  her  temple  throng'd, 
Her  proud,  perfidious,  unbelieving  race. 
From  foot  of  Mercy's  throne,  Probatica, 
In  silent  streams,  its  hallow'd  waters  pours, 
Whilst  round  the  sacred  pool,  its  lofty  gates, 
Direct  to  whence  its  healing  virtues  flow; 
Celestial  Caphoreth,  true  source,  whence  grace 
Supremely  springs ;  to  Israel  proffer'd  oft, 
As  oft  repell'd ;  to  Israel  proffer'd  now, 
By  Mercy's  self,  who  from  the  heav'ns  descends, 
And  o'er  thee  weeping,  thus  thy  fate  deplores : 

19* 


226  REDEMPTION. 

"  Jerusalem,  my  well  beloved,  hear ; 
Ye  men  of  Juda,  to  my  words  attend. 
I  had  a  fruitful  vineyard  by  the  sea, 
Planted  with  choicest  vines,  from  Egypt  brought, 
Water'd  by  copious  streams,  hedged,  wall'd,  and  built 
With  lofty  towers.     Deeply  the  vine  took  root, 
And  fill'd  the  land ;  its  leafy  boughs  were  like 
The  goodly  cedars  green,  and  hills,  beneath 
Its  pleasant  shade,  rejoiced.     Men  of  Israel, 
Between  me  and  my  vineyard,  now  judge  ye. 
What  more  could  I  to  it  than  has  been  done  ? 
And  lo  !  I  look'd  for  fruit ;  but,  wild  grapes  found  ! 
For  wine,  and  naught  but  vinegar  and  gall ! 
Now,  what  my  vineyard  shall  befall,  attend. 
Its  hedge  shall  be  destroy'd,  its  wall  removed ; 
Wild  boars  shall  root  it  up,  fierce  beasts  devour ; 
No  more  shall  it  be  water'd,  pruned,  or  digg'd, 
And  fruitful  only  be  in  briars  and  thorns. 
Thou,  house  of  Israel,  my  vineyard  art ; 
You,  men  of  Juda,  are  my  pleasant  plant. 
Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  that  dost 
The  prophets  slay,  and  stonest  those,  who  have 
To  thee  been  sent,  how  oft  thy  children  would 
I  glad  have  gather'd  to  my  shelt'ring  side, 
E'en  as  the  hen  her  brood  beneath  her  wings, 
But  thou  wouldst  not ;  and  now,  behold,  thy  house, 
Favour'd  so  long,  shall  be  left  desolate. 
O  would  that  thou,  in  this  thy  day,  hadst  known 
The  things  which  make  thy  peace !  but  now  they're  hid 
From  thee,  infatuate;  blind  are  thine  eyes, 
Nor  see  that  soon  the  evil  days  shall  come, 
When  all  thy  foes  shall  trench,  and  compass  thee 


REDEMPTION.  227 

About,  and  straighten  thee  on  every  side ; 
Thee  and  thy  little  ones,  and  beat  thee  down, 
Nor  leave  one  stone  within  thee  not  o'erthrown. 
The  cup  of  thine  iniquity  is  full, 
Press'd  down,  and  running  o'er;  accomplish'd  are 
The  weeks:  rejected  is  thine  only  Hope; 
Whom,  yet  a  little  while,  and  thou  wilt  slay. 
Woe,  woe,  Jerusalem.     Men  of  Juda',  weep. 
Behold,  your  desolation  now  begins ; 
Destroy' d,  your  city  and  its  holy  place 
Shall  be,  and  o'er  its  smoldry  ruins  raised 
Th'  abomination,  which  your  sons  abhor." 

The  Man  of  sorrows  and  with  grief  acquaint, 
With  sighs  and  tears,  thus  dolorous  deplores; 
Then,  pensive,  wends  his  way  from  Olivet, 
To  Sion's  favour'd  hill,  by  Bethphage", 
Fain  to  escape  the  throngs,  which  round  him  press, 
And  still  with  loud  hosannas  rend  the  air; 
His  way  with  garments  spread,  thick  strew  with  palms, 
Fresh  flowers  in  garlands  weave,  and  constant  shout — 
Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David,  King ; 
Hosanna  in  the  highest;    thrice  blessed 
He,  who  cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord, 


THE  END  OF  THE  SEVENTH  BOOK. 


THE 


EIGHTH    BOOK 


REDEMPTION. 


ARGUMENT. 


Satan,  seeing  the  triumph  of  Christ,  calls  a  council  of  the  devils. 
Assembled  in  the  central  regions  of  the  earth,  they  consult  how  they 
may  arrest  his  progress,  and  mislead  his  followers.  After  proposing 
various  measures,  they  return  to  the  upper  air,  and  urge  on  Judas  and 
the  Jews  to  betray  the  Messias  and  bring  him  to  trial.  Satan  presents 
himself  under  the  guise  of  an  old  man,  to  the  former,  who  is  stealthily 
passing  by  night  along  the  valley  of  Tophet,  as  usual  to  count  over 
his  hoards.  He  overhears  Judas'  soliloquy,  and  encourages  him  to 
present  himself  to  the  Sanhedrim,  then  in  session.  Meanwhile  the 
blessed  Redeemer  partakes  of  the  Pascal  supper  with  his  disciples, 
institutes  the  mystic  Sacrifice,  and  predicts  his  betrayal  by  Judas. 
Jesus  prays  for  his  disciples. 


:RE  ID  IE  HUE  :PTI  o  isr_ 


BOOK  VIII. 

In  regal  state  of  godlike  seeming  pow'r, 
Surrounded  by  his  chiefs,  the  flow'r  of  hell, 
Though  faded,  Satan  supremely  sat,  whilst 
Blank  defeat,  and  frustrate  hope,  hung  low'ring 
On  his  gashful  brow;  baleful,  portentous, 
Shadowing  dire  revenge,  which  to  concoct, 
He  held  high  council  with  his  dev'lish  peers, 
Deep  in  the  central  orb's  embowel'd  fires, 
Where  thus,  malignant,  their  consult  began : 

"  Comrades  in  weal,  compeers  in  every  woe, 
Untoward  contests  seem  of  late  the  brunt 
Of  strife,  on  our  part,  felly  to  abash, 
And  call  for  new  device,  with  which  to  meet 
Th'  unwonted  Pow'r,  adverse  to  us  oppugn' d, 
And  in  us  more  excite  hate  and  revenge. 
Ye  see  with  what  exult  this  second  Man, 
O'er  all  our  forces  triumphs,  and  the  world, 
Where  e'er  he  turns,  draws  in  his  train;  whilst  we, 
Who  erst  stood  sentinel  o'er  this  opaque, 
Fix'd  in  irrevocable  empire,  firm, 
Now  fly  before  fatiferous  his  word. 
'Tis  true,  as  yet  but  little  space  he  holds, 


232  REDEMPTION. 

Whilst  ours  diffuses  o'er  the  circling  orb; 

But  with  what  speed  his  growing  influence  runs, 

Ye  see ;  which,  at  like  rating,  soon  must  leave 

It  questionable,  whether  I,  or  he, 

Shall  greater  claim  have  to  be  Prince  of  air, 

And  ruling  pow'r,  o'er  this  sublunar  sphere, 

Too  dearly  bought,  too  highly  prized,  to  yield 

But  by  necessity  and  dire  constraint. 

What  is  to  be,  our  arms  must  quick  indite, 

Our  ready  wits  extill,  while  aught  remains. 

No  fabian  delay,  nor  flexuous  wiles, 

Avail  our  purpose  here,  sure  of  defeat, 

By  this  our  ancient  foe,  though  seeming  man. 

Unless  with  dext'rous  hand  we  him  requite, 

And  by  some  lucky  stroke  forefend  our  foil, 

That,  which  we  needs  would  shun,  must  supervene. 

Nor  do  I  doubt,  this  vantage  we  may  gain. 

Through  promise  darkly  giv'n,  and  words,  himself 

Let  fall,  't  would  seem  the  end  of  this  grand  scheme 

Is  death;  through  which,  'tis  said,  ensues  our  thrall. 

Believe  the  first,  give  to  the  winds  the  last, 

And  let  him  who  would  most  deserve  of  hell, 

The  speediest  means  propound  for  this  bold  aim." 

So  spake  the  subtil  fiend,  and  sat  the  while, 
Who  should  his  promptings  second  or  withstand  j 
Nor  waited  long,  for  soon  Asmodeus  rose ; 
The  same,  who  fired  with  lustfulness,  the  bed 
Of  Raguel's  chaste  daughter,  lewd  beset  j 
And  who  the  heart  of  Solomon  misled 
With  lusting  after  Moabitish  wives, 
And  foreign  gods,  Astarte,  Priapus, 
Libidinous,  with  sensual  rites  endow'd. 


REDEMPTION.  233 

He  Siddim  ruled,  and  cities  of  the  plain, 
Wrathful  consumed,  by  fire  from  heav'n  rain'd  down, 
Burning  bituminous,  with  sulph'rous  stench; 
Whose  desert  wastes,  the  sea  of  death  enlaves 
With  lethal  tide,  whilst  wailful  sounds,  and  moans, 
From  spirits  cursed,  rise  out  the  gurgling  pool. 
Passion  his  face  dimm'd,  glared  his  bloodshot  eye, 
As  thus,  with  fem'nine  voice,  his  instinct  ran : 

"Prince  of  the  damn'd,  and  you,  ye  pow'rs,  hear. 
What  e'er  the  diff'rence  that  our  views  divide, 
One  thing  is  constant,  all  our  aims  unite, 
And  ever  to  but  one  point  mainly  tend, 
The  hurt  of  Him,  our  freedom  who  enthralls. 
To  this,  no  middle  course  my  feet  impel, 
Who  run  with  wanton  haste  to  lure  to  ill. 
But  ill  to  haste,  may  our  own  aims  defeat. 
Advising  speedy  ill,  is  to  advise 
Rushing  headlong,  and  ours  expose  to  raid, 
To  direful  rift,  and  heaven's  senseful  scorn ; 
Or  worse,  lissom  to  let  our  victims  slip. 
Was  it  not  so  at  Rama?     Haste  to  slay, 
Whom  we  have  cause  to  hate,  backwards  recoil'd, 
And  our  side  shent:  since,  whom  we  sought,  escaped, 
And  th'  others  sent  with  speedy  flight  to  heav'n; 
Who,  left  to  rise  mature,  by  our  conduct, 
Might  grow  as  maculate,  as  bright  before, 
And  in  themselves,  and  by  their  progeny, 
Innumerous,  befoul'd  with  lust,  us  serve ; 
So,  far  extenuate,  who  people  heav'n, 
And  frequent  crowd  the  luctual  plains  of  hell. 
Nor  are  we  sure,  the  death  our  Chief  protends, 
Will  serve  us  better,  or  e'en  rest  secure. 

20 


234  REDEMPTION. 

Who  mightier  than  himself  among  hell  pow'rs? 

And  hath  his  mightiness  not  this  same  test 

Applied  in  vain,  when  from  the  pinnacle, 

Or  mountain's  top,  he  fain  would  cast  him  down? 

Nor  mind  ye  not,  when  on  the  sea,  all  hell 

In  tempests  blew  outrageous,  mingled  sea 

And  sky,  fierce  rove  their  fragile  bark  athwart 

The  nappy  waves,  that  at  his  simple  word, 

The  waves  grew  calm,  the  frighted  furies  fled, 

And  zephyrs  softly  fann'd  the  placid  lake? 

Thrice  we  the  hearts  of  Jews  perfidious  fired, 

To  take  up  stones  to  stone  this  charmed  Man ; 

Thrice,  unpurturbed,  he  pass'd  their  midst  unharm'd. 

Once,  to  the  brow  abrupt  of  Sion's  hill, 

They  led  him,  with  attempt  to  thrust  him  down  j 

But  walking  through  the  press,  invisible, 

Or  blinding  them,  as  those  of  Sodom  once, 

Fiercely  who  did  besiege  the  patriarch's  house 

To  rape  with  men,  and  felt  in  vain  the  door; 

So  he,  like  easy  'scaped,  and  went  his  way, 

Whilst  they,  at  fault,  confused,  still  sought  him  round. 

Since  then  he  laughs  at  our  despite,  estopp'd, 

And  thus  accretive  grow  the  following  crowds, 

From  our  side  won,  and  number'd  as  his  own, 

Whilst  we,  if  he  but  speak,  before  him  fly, 

Who  of  our  hosts  will  venture  Him  t'  assail? 

Or,  but  his  daring  hand  lay  on  the  mane 

Of  Juda's  Lion,  and  expect  to  live? 

This  query  I  propound,  that  all  may  hear, 

Lest  unawarn'd,  they  heedhss  rush  within 

Destruction's  gaping  jaws,  or  whimp'ririg  flee, 

With  terror  wiug'd,  whilst  vengeance  swift  pursues. 


REDEMPTION.  235 

So  dangerous  a  scheme  then  I  forefend, 
As  sure  redounding  to  renew'd  defeat. 
But  if  I  lead  your  sense,  or  catch  aright 
Your  ear,  stand  thus  advised — No  vi'lent  hand 
Lay  on  the  Sou  of  God,  nor  those,  who  him 
Obey;  but  close  besiege,  inflame  their  lusts, 
Or  flesh,  or  pride  of  life,  each  to  his  bent ; 
With  beauty,  wit,  and  wine,  incite,  allure : 
Give  every  soul  his  spright,  or  ten,  if  one 
May  not  suffice  ;  inebriate  their  sense, 
With  sensual  joys,  thoir  passions  eager  feed, 
Nor  give  them  moment  respite  from  your  toils. 
Hell  must  be  poor  indeed,  in  strategy 
And  guile,  it  some  fall  not;  but.  fall,  some  must, 
And  drag  the  weak  with  scandal  down,  engulf 'd 
In  the  same  vortex,  passionate,  pollute. 
And  if  there  be,  who  stand,  let  them  not  pass, 
But  blacken  and  defame ;  infix  the  brand 
Indelible,  of  every  nameless  crime, 
Child  murder,  incest,  wantoness  impure, 
Deep  graven  on  their  front,  that  all  may  see, 
That  infidels  may  laugh,  deride,  blaspheme, 
And,  true  or  false,  harass  them  with  infame. 
Thus,  whilst  we  slay  not,  we  perite  destroy, 
Defeat  his  aim,  and  who  would  serve,  deter." 

Abrupt  so  ending,  sat  the  lustful  fiend, 
When  Mammon,  low  debased,  his  lead  thus  took: 

"  Beauty,  I  yield,  0  chiefs,  and  wit  and  wine; 
And  what  else  delights,  to  whom  these,  as  baits 
To  lure  withal,  prefer,  and  not  object; 
But  claim  my  province  is,  with  stronger  ties 
Than  utmost  passions,  to  seduce  mankind. 


236  REDEMPTION. 

Who  sets  my  idol  up,  cannot  serve  God; 

Nor  this,  so  call'd,  his  Son.     So  he  hath  taught, 

And  ye  may  well  believe.     'Tis  easier  far 

To  thrust  a  cable  through  a  needle's  eye, 

Than  him,  who  worships  me,  conduct  to  heav'n. 

What  more  could  hell  desire  ?  What  more  achieve  ? 

Remind  ye  not  the  rout  of  Jacob's  sons, 

At  Hai?  how  Achan  fell,  by  me  ensnared? 

And  what  the  curse,  him  and  his  house  o'erwhelm'd? 

Were  ye  not  witness  when  Giezi  fell, 

Lustful  of  the  Assyrian's  glitt'ring  stores, 

And  when  he  from  Eliseus'  presence  went 

Accurs'd,  a  loathsome  leper,  white  as  snow? 

Shall  gold  with  these,  less  pow'rful  prov^  than  those? 

I  trow  not ;  but  more  rather.     Ye  shall  see 

Dissensions,  scornings,  spite,  betrayal,  hate, 

Pride,  envy,  malice,  jealousy  and  guile, 

From  this  source  spring,  the  love  and  greed  of  gold. 

Lordly,  the  rich  shall  turn  their  heads  away 

From  their  poor  brethren;  and  so  most,  when  from 

The  dregs  they  lowest  spring,  and  plume  themselves 

As  gods,  nor  feel  the  deathless  worm  at  heart. 

The  holiest  bonds  shall  sooner  break  by  this, 

Than  withs  which  Samson  bound;  traffic,  shall  priests, 

Most  sacred  things  for  gold;  sell  faith,  sell  hope, 

And  charity  the  chief;  fawn  on  the  great, 

Cleave  to  the  rich,  and  evitate  the  poor. 

Nor  less  the  masses,  for  this  cause,  with  hell 

In  compact  firm,  their  souls  to  death  will  bind. 

Thus  shall  the  Eden,  which  this  new  Man  builds, 

Of  all  its  verdure  nipp'd,  frosted,  soon  fade, 

Whilst  winds  blow  frore  o'er  every  gen'rous  deed, 


REDEMPTION.  237 

Freezing  the  sunniest  fountains  of  the  heart, 
And  Charity's  most  sacred  bonds  disrupt. 
But  some,  ye  say,  will  wealth  despise,  affect 
Despise,  and  shun?  Be  't  so;  'twill  be  but  few, 
And  I  forbid  not  other  wiles  to  warp 
From  good;  bring  all  the  enginery  of  hell, 
And  new  invent,  to  sap  this  growing  pow'r, 
Nor  deem  me  less  with  hate  inflamed  t'  oppose, 
Than  fiercest  of  hell's  forces  here  deploy'd. 
Wiser  from  frequent  contests  grown,  I  do 
But  urge  our  abstinence  from  actual  fight, 
In  conflicts  so  oft  worsted  by  our  foes; 
Whether  superior  grown  since  our  descent, 
Or  we  impaired  in  prowess  by  the  fall. 
Besides,  what  have  ye  gain'd,  with  all  your  hosts, 
Since  this  adventure  summon'd  us  from  hell? 
Naught  but  contempt,  defeat  and  shame;  whilst  I 
Have  so  well  wrought,  and  with  such  wily  brigue, 
That  of  his  chiefs  I  hold,  who  bears  the  bag; 
And  doubt  not,  but  through  him,  to  scatter  all 
The  rest;  perhaps,  obtain  the  grand  result 
Ye  strive,  and  reap  with  others'  hands  his  death. 
At  least,  whate'er  the  end,  still  I  advise 
To  use  such  arms,  and  shun  too  close  a  war." 

He  ended  midst  a  storm  of  hoarse  applause, 
Highly  approved  by  Satan,  and  the  peers. 
Though  not  so  all  approved;  for  now  arose, 
Scowling  with  horrid  front,  Beelzebub, 
The  brightest  spirit  that  from  heaven  fell; 
Next  to  Satan,  head;  some  say,  his  other  self; 
Like  him,  at  least,  a  murderer  from  the  first. 
Blacker  than  night  he  stood,  and  thus  with  voice, 


238  REDEMPTION. 

Loud  as  when  Hecla  roars,  or  ocean's  surge, 
The  central  orb  shook,  where  apart  they  sat: 

"  Hell,  on  herself,  for  shame,  might  well  recoil, 
Were  sole  such  counsels  to  employ  her  peers. 
Not  that  I  scout  these  baubles  in  their  place; 
Nor  those,  who  use,  of  laurels  strip  so  won. 
But,  death  is  the  grand  argument  of  hell; 
That,  for  which,  hell  endures;  nor  more  would  be 
Hell,  death  extinct,  than  heav'n,  heav'n  without  life. 
Destruction  is  our  aim,  our  purpose  sole, 
The  whole  weight  of  our  war,  and  Heav'n's  despite. 
Earth  planted  He  with  life,  and  lasting  joy; 
Hell  came,  and  grafted  death  on  all  it  saw; 
On  man,  on  beast,  on  flow'r  and  tree,  diffuse, 
And  draped  in  mourning  all  this  vast  terrene. 
Should  we  from  our  glum  shadow  now  recoil, 
Hell  darts  would  of  themselves  take  wings  and  slay. 
For  death,  I  plead  then,  torture,  blood;  and  laugh, 
The  more  I  see  our  gory  hands  imbrued; 
So  most,  when  arm'd  on  armed  rushing,  hosts 
Are  slain,  and  seas  of  blood  roll  slipp'ry  o'er 
The  plains.     Let  Death  then  in  all  shapes  assault 
Their  ranks;  num'rous  our  own,  a  handful  theirs, 
Who,  soon  o'erwhelm'd,  swept  from  the  earth  away, 
Will  leave  us  as  before,  supreme  in  pow'r. 
Bid  each  high  priest  of  all  our  tow'ring  states, 
Send  Feciales  to  the  hostile  field, 
To  hurl  the  spear  defiant  midst  their  ranks; 
Alarm  the  states;  the  gods  in  danger  cry; 
Devise  new  tortures,  quiv'ring  limbs  to  tear; 
Hurl  to  wild  beasts,  and  slow  consume  with  fire ; 
Crush,  stone,  transfix,  scourge,  rack,  boil,  crucify, 


REDEMPTION.  239 

All  who  the  Nazarene  name,  or  contemn 

Our  smoking  altars,  and  forsake  our  fanes; 

Whilst  we  dire  portents  thunder  through  the  sky, 

Bid  auguries,  and  omens,  sinister, 

Fearful  calamities  in  wrath  foreshow, 

Clouds,  lightnings,  tempests,  earthquakes,  gloamy  signs 

Of  hell's  avenge,  and  anger  of  her  gods. 

So  shall  ye  sweep  this  race  from  off  the  earth, 

Nor  leave  a  vestige  of  its  raid  behind; 

So  shall  ye  sit,  secure  as  high,  in  pow'r, 

And  laugh  at  Heav'n's  fitful  efforts,  vain." 

The  bick'ring  flames  grew  ghastlier  as  he  spake, 
And  o'er  the  cope  of  intramundane  skies, 
Cast  livid  hues  of  incandescent  light, 
In  baleful  shades,  grim,  nubilous,  around; 
Till  seething  winds,  aloft,  on  fetid  wings, 
O'er  plains,  soft,  solid,  lakes  and  seas  of  fire, 
Bore  wale  ful  sighs  and  moans;  and  nature,  sad, 
With  mutt'ring  sounds,  gave  signs  of  inward  woe. 
Meanwhile,  th'  arch  dragon,  pleased  with  his  chiefs, 
Nefandous  who,  still  counsels  nocent,  turn'd 
Against  whom,  he  so  oft  had  tried  in  vain, 
And  they  not  daft,  applauded  much  their  zeal; 
To  them  his  new  devices  part  reveal'd, 
And  thus,  with  flatt'ring  words,  set  phrase,  began : 

"Imperial  princes,  thrones,  dominions,  pow'rs, 
Worthy  of  heav'n,  and  high  approved,  gods; 
Not  long,  I  deem,  extruded  from  your  seats, 
Ileav'n  born,  by  force  of  merit  there  to  reign, 
Who  thus  your  prowess  vaunt  in  featgyof  arms, 
Well  skill'd  in  such  devices  as,  ere  long, 
Must  win  successful  conquest  o'er  the  sky. 


240  REDEMPTION. 

For,  if 't  be  true,  as  now  so  often  said, 

The  Son  of  God  must  die,  why  then  our  pow'r 

Is  to  slay ;  and  if  to  slay,  to  death  make 

Subject,  why  not  him  in  penal  chains  drag? 

Or,  of  his  thund'ring  arms  clean  shorn,  which  us 

Pursued  dolorous,  what  shall  us  forbid, 

In  turn  him  to  transfix,  and  bind  etern, 

With  his,  in  that  dim  prison,  first  ordain'd 

For  us,  who  too  well  freedom  loved,  ages 

To  serve  his  vassals,  prosternate  the  throne  ? 

If  nothing,  as  'twould  seem,  then  I  maintain 

Our  triumph  near,  when  we  shall  reign,  our  right, 

And  all  things  under  our  dominion  bring: 

Whereof  a  ray  of  hope  illumes  the  sky; 

For  I  doubt  not,  some  vantage  may  be  reach'd 

Now,  o'er  the  Twelve.     One,  we  have  gain'd  outright; 

And  Simon,  fain  I  hope  to  sift  as  wheat, 

Nor  fear,  but  in  him  much  chaff  may  be  found ; 

Some  trace  at  least,  of  such  defection  bides. 

Twice  harsh  rebuk'd,  he  'fore  his  fellows  stood ; 

T'  whom  'twas  said — Get  thee  behind  me  Satan ; 

High  compliment  besure  to  me  thus  named, 

Customed  to  be  the  first,  and  sit  supreme, 

But,  stern  reproof;  and  for  worse  cause  repeat, 

When  he,  to  meet  his  Master  on  the  wave, 

Essay'd.     Here  doubt  was  clear.     Doubt  is  distrust; 

Which  if  fomented  well,  when  trouble  comes, 

Denial  breeds,  or  worse ;  be  it,  howe'er, 

Our  care  this  weakness  to  assail  with  force ; 

Perhaps,  when  least  aware,  we  make  him  ours, 

And  with  the  head  fall'n,  topple  all  the  limbs. 

But  deem  the  task  not  light ;  long  contest  is, 


REDEMPTION.  241 

I  ween,  before  us;  fields  of  strenu'ous  fight; 

A  varied  war,  that  varied  arms  demand, 

And  utmost  skill.     Nor  underrate  our  foes; 

Nor  smallest  things  despise;  strange  though  it  seem, 

The  weakest  here  oft  times  o'er  strong  prevail, 

As  boys  with  pebbles,  giants  have  o'erthrown. 

Meantime  be  active,  bold,  courageous,  strong; 

Gird  on  your  swords  puissant,  shields  and  spears; 

Perpetual  harass,  each  strong  hold  sap; 

Give  rest  to  none ;  of  miserable,  make 

Most  miserable,  those  who  follow  him. 

Broad  is  the  way,  well  peopled,  that  ours  tread; 

Narrow  their  road,  and  few  to  him  succeed. 

Ours,  all  th'  advantage  is;  man's  thoughts,  adverse 

To  good,  still  tend  to  ill;  facile  descent 

Is,  though  it  lead  to  hell.     Then  arm,  advance ; 

Time  bids  you  quick  pursue  and  flesh  your  prey; 

Success  determine,  and  success  ensues ; 

Doubt  nothing  boldly,  but  intend  and  win, 

And  long  be  empire  as  your  trophy  held." 

Thus  they,  estiferous,  the  hollow  sphere 
Within,  rack'd,  and  raged  against  the  Highest. 
Earth,  in  her  entrails  torn,  felt  the  sharp  throes, 
Upheaved  her  tenuous  crust,  with  fearful  sounds, 
And  ominous  in  all  her  craters  burn'd. 
Hard  by  Jerusalem,  in  Hinnom's  vale, 
A  ravine,  deep  and  dark,  polluted  lay, 
Tophet,  wherein  th'  arch  traitor,  Judas,  seal'd 
His  compact  firm  with  the  infernal  powers. 
Now  o'er  the  earth  had  night  her  sombre  veil 
Profoundly  cast,  when  this  grand  thief,  as  wont, 
With  stealthy  step,  obverse,  to  count  his  hoards, 


242  REDEMPTION. 

Took  tortuous  way  through  that  glum  vale  of  death ; 
Whose  fires  burn'd  sinister  as  he  pass'd  on, 
With  baleful  stench  effused,  whilst  livid  rays, 
Hell's  proper  hues,  shaded  his  visage  grim. 
Close  on  his  steps  the  prince  of  darkness  trod; 
Unseen,  him  captive  held,  his  thoughts  perturbed, 
Which,  passionate,  at  length  in  sighs  found  vent, 
As  wholly  not  yet  banded  to  hell's  thrall : 

"Ah  me!"  he  said,  "why  should  I  thus  his  grace 
Despite  ?  whom  he  hath  raised  so  high  in  place, 
Next  to  himself  among  the  Twelve;  to  be, 
(When,  who  can  tell?)  endow'd  with  thrones;  an  aim 
Worth  striving  after,  if  'twere  true;  yet,  so 
He  promised,  when  his  kingdom  comes.     Doubtful 
Alternate.     Who  knows  when  that  is  ?     Promise 
Is  easy;  not  so  easy  is  perform. 
That  but  a  word ;  th'  other  a  flick'ring  hope. 
Should  not  I  then  seize  present  good,  and  leave 
To  who  believes,  the  promised  and  unknown  ? 
Two  motions  urge  me;  which  shall  1  attend? 
This  says  betray,  and  glut  your  growing  store; 
That  bids  the  lesser  leave  for  greater  gain. 
Both  motives  base ;  but  who  the  motives  knows  ? 
Doth  He?    'Twould  seem;  else  why  his  prescient  pow'r, 
So  oft  to  them  shown,  who  his  grace  invoke  ? 
What  if  he  truly  be  Messias  sent  ? 
'Tis  hard  to  say;  still  more  'tis  hard  to  doubt. 
Who  but  Messias  could  such  works  perform  ? 
Who  but  Messias  would  such  works  project? 
But,  if  he  be,  as  he  would  have  us  deem, 
Why  did  he  number  me  among  the  Twelve  ? 
A  greater  mystery  is  this  than  all. 


REDEMPTION.  243 

Why  place  me,  traitor,  near  his  sacred  side  ? 

Trust  me  the  bag  ?  his  secret  counsels  teach  ? 

Perchance  to  sway  me  by  his  goodness  'twas, 

And  lead  me  to  repent.     Alas  !  that  goodness, 

How  it  burns  within  !  like  coals  of  fire  heap'd 

Upon  the  head,  and  urges  to  relent. 

But,  woe  is  me  !  that  goodness  how  I  hate  ! 

Nor  less  his  look  of  innocence  and  love, 

So  calm  dispensed  from  peaceful  brow  serene ; 

And  so  perhaps,  when  most  oppress'd  with  care. 

His  tender  accents  too,  forgiving  words — 

(O  heav'n  !  what  torture  doth  the  thought  inflict,) 

Fresh  streams  of  grace  on  obdurate  let  fall, 

Let  freely  fall ;  the  callous  more,  the  more 

To  penance  moved,  by  grace  profuse  besought. 

High  as  the  heav'ns  by  grace  received  uplift, 

By  grace  contemn'd,  to  lowest  hell  thrust  down. 

Thou  hell !  wilt  thou  not  here  withhold  thy  hand  ? 

Nor  shrink  the  fearful  task  ?  or,  if  perform, 

Some  other  instrument  devise  than  roe, 

One  of  his  friends  profess'd,  his  bosom  friends? 

Nor  cease  to  urge  repeat  the  crime  of  Cain, 

Repeat,  wiih  base  augment  and  tenfold  shame? — 

But,  should  I  shrink,  how  ease  my  just  revenge 

For  public  scorn,  open  rebuke,  on  me 

Unjust  imposed,  with  all  the  rest,  who  plead 

The  poor  man's  cause,  when  he  the  precious  nard 

Let  run  to  waste?     Or,  how  increase  my  store? 

(To  me  chief  aim  to  follow  his  behests ;) 

Whence  multiply  rny  gains?     Could  I,  secure 

Of  other  pelf  abide,  I  might  relent, 

And  seeminjr  be  most  steadfast  of  his  friends. 


244  REDEMPTION. 

But  there  the  doubt  hangs,  and  iny  mind  suspends." 

Thus  far  his  musings  led,  with  inward  strife 
'Twixt  bad  and  worse,  nor  semblance  held  of  good, 
When  Satan  opportune  the  moment  seized 
To  front  the  felon,  quite  resolve  of  doubts, 
His  passions  stimulate,  and  tempt  his  greed. 
Seeming  a  grave  old  man,  with  reverend  beard, 
And  form  inclined,  supported  by  a  staff, 
He  cross'd  his  path,  and  ready  this  advanced : 

"  Thoughts  cloth'd  in  words  and  given  to  the  winds, 
As  thine  a  moment  since,  are  past  recall, 
And  may,  with  harsh  recoil,  break  his  own  head, 
Who  utters,  or  redound  to  weal,  suppose 
He  wisdom  hath  to  profit  by  their  vent. 
To  choose  concerns  thee  now,  as  thou  shalt  learn. 
This  sign  informs  thee,  I  of  Bethdin  am ; 
WThither  my  feet  direct  me  through  this  vale. 
I,  who  thou  art,  ask  not,  to  whom  thy  speech 
O'erheard,  betrayeth  of  the  Nazarene; 
One  of  the  Twelve  it  seems,  who  bears  the  bag, 
And  not  unwilling  to  increase  thy  store. 
Prime  chance  for  thee  advenes,  and  pelf,  well  worth 
Thy  seeking,  proffer'd  is,  with  honors  high, 
That  well  might  tempt  to  boldest  venture, 
Him,  who  the  state  would  serve,  now  sore  distraught, 
And  Jewry  further  save  from  this  Man's  brawls. 
These  then  the  terms  that  him  shall  gage,  who  doth 
This  Nazarene  betray ;  nor  deem  the  pledge 
Transcends  their  pow'r,  who  promise,  to  bestow. 
High  shall  he  be  exalt,  who  these  subserves, 
With  badge  emblazoned  on  his  lofty  brow; 
His  fame  all  peoples  learn,  all  times  extend; 


REDEMPTION.  245 

Be  raised  too  high  for  envy's  keenest  shaft, 

For,  none  shall  envy,  none  say — Would  'twere  I. 

Nor  this  the  end.  be ;  but,  suffice  it  now — 

The  price  thou  askest  shall  be  amply  paid, 

And  more  than  may  be  mentioned  in  the  pledge. 

The  Elders  this  debate;  thither  thy  steps 

Fleet  speed  thee;  me,  this  way,  now  mine  exact." 

Ambiguous  thus,  with  promise  seeming  fair, 
The  grand  Dissembler  spoke,  then  straight  pursued, 
Through  gloom  of  night,  his  way,  in  varied  guise, 
Alert  his  part  nefandous,  still  to  act ; 
Nor  left  his  complice  sole,  but  close  begirt, 
With  legions  of  bad  spirits  bent  on  ill. 
Not  less  than  some  great  leader  train'd  to  war, 
With  myriads  armed  on  some  hostile  shore, 
Deploys  his  forces,  all  his  outposts  sets, 
Then  scours  the  wide  champaign,  and  whom  he  finds, 
Imbanded  holds,  their  country  to  betray. 
So  Satan  now,  the  victim  in  his  toils 
Embraced,  cautious  invests  the  sacred  hill ; 
Through  Hinnom's  vale,  Cedron,  and  Josaphat, 
His  legionary  forces  copious  pours, 
And  all  the  skirts  of  Sion  close  besets ; 
Invades  the  holy  city,  crowds  its  courts, 
And  troubles  with  his  presence,  whom  he  will. 
Hebon  the  night  grew,  ominous  with  signs, 
Oppress' d  the  air,  surcharged  with  baleful  breath, 
Dull  vapors,  humors,  mists,  whilst  howling  winds, 
With  doleful  dirge,  lament  the  coming  storm. 

Within  the  temple's  sacred  precincts,  half, 
And  half  without,  the  hall  of  judgment  stood, 
Where  sat  the  Bethdin,  high  on  burnish'd  thrones, 

21 


246  REDEMPTION. 

In  scele'rous  council  daft  the  Son  of  God. 
A  grand  rotunda  'twas,  deep,  spacious,  broad ; 
Whose  stately  dome,  of  azure  deck'd  with  stars, 
On  massive  columns,  polish'd  porph'ry,  stood, 
Corinthian  carved,  and  patined  thick  with  gold. 
The  floor  with  variegated  marbles  shone, 
A  cunning  work,  that  wond'rous  skill  display'dj 
Whilst  purple  hangings,  vi'let,  green,  and  blue, 
With  silken  cords  in  ivory  circles  run, 
Around  its  walls  their  ample  foldings  threw. 
A  triple  row  of  amber,  odorous  lamps, 
With  oil  of  myrrh  burn'd,  spices,  sweet  perfumed, 
Hung  pendant  from  the  roof  on  chains  of  gold, 
With  jacinth  gemm'd,  crystal  and  orient  pearl ; 
Though  not  their  wonted  brilliance  now  diffused ; 
But  lurid  glare  cast  round,  with  ghastly  shades, 
And  sulph'rous  tainture  of  the  Stygian  pow'r, 
Who,  present,  his  malignance  baleful  breath'd, 
On  those,  who  there  in  dev'lish  conclave  sat; 
Chiefs  of  the  Pharisees,  Doctors  of  Law, 
Princes  of  Priests,  the  Levites  in  their  rank, 
Scribes  of  each  sect,  and  base,  perfidious  Jews. 
High  on  a  throne,  exalted  'bove  his  peers, 
Caiphas  supreme  the  rash  assemblage  ruled; 
Th'  Abethdin  next,  sustain'd  the  right,  in  place, 
Shacam,  the  left,  and  thence  in  lengthen'd  line, 
Each  of  the  Seventy  in  his  own  degree. 
When  thus  their  chief,  with  malice  caliban, 
And  rage  against  the  Just,  his  cause  disposed : 

«  Princes  of  Israel,  Doctors  of  the  Law, 
Ye  scribes,  to  whom  it  wisely  appertains 
The  sons  of  Abraham  to  teach,  give  ear ; 


REDEMPTION.   *  247 

And  you,  ye  priests  and  levites,  this  attend. 

Let  minor  differences  be  laid  aside, 

All  meaner  questions  merged,  for  graver  themes 

Demand  your  care,  and  shrewdest  counsels  move. 

You  all  do  know  this  Nazarene,  this  Pest, 

The  Son  of  Joseph,  who  is  Jesus  call'd ; 

How  he  disturbs  the  people,  them  misleads, 

Seduces,  and  withdraws  from  Moses'  law  : 

What  mischief  he  in  Jewry  works ;  what  lies 

He  teaches;  sabbaths  breaks;  ourselves  defames; 

Consorts  with  sinners,  and  foments  their  brawls. 

You,  hath  he  not  abused  ?  call'd  vipers,  fools  ? 

And  charged  with  all  hypocrisy  and  guile  ? 

White  in  appearance  only,  full  of  crime  ? 

And  at  your  door  laid  all  the  just  blood  spill'd, 

Since  Zacharias  was  between  th'  altar 

And  the  Temple  slain  ?     What  further  would  ye  ? 

Do  not  these  suffice  your  anger  t'  arouse, 

And  draw  your  vengeance  justly  on  his  head  ? 

Then  learn  how  he  blasphemes  this  sacred  fane. 

'  Destroy  this  Temple  !'  so  he  says ;  and  thus, 

In  mock'ry  adds — '  I'll  build  it  in  three  days  !' 

Shallow  device !     Not  daring  he  to  lay 

His  sacrilegious  hand  upon  its  gold, 

Would  tempt  the  fools,  who  hear  him,  to  destroy ; 

Doubtless  but  glad,  to  see  its  glories  bite 

The  dust,  that  he,  with  naught  to  loose,  might  seize 

Its  wealth,  and  'mong  his  rabble  base,  divide. 

And  stops  he  here,  suppose  ye  ?  or  believe, 

He  makes  himself  a  God? — Nay,  nay,  good  friends, 

Withold  a  moment,  and,  I  pray,  be  calm. 

Yes,  makes  himself  a  God  !  Messias  !  King ! 


248  REDEMPTION. 

And  Juda's  tribes  amuses  with  his  tricks, 

Wrought  by  Beelzebub,  to  lure  his  dupes. 

Have  ye  not  heard  the  piercing  echos  roll 

Along  fair  Jordan's  vale,  with  peans  hymn'd, 

1  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David  !  King  !' 

Nor  he  rebuke  the  impious  clamor  raised  ? 

What  shouts  are  those,  which  now,  on  every  breeze 

Borne,  clang  the  ear,  and  Israel  fill  with  dread  ? 

1  Jesus  Messias  is !  our  Priest  and  King  ! 

Blessed  is  he,  who  cometh  in  Lord !' 

See  with  what  mock'ry'  of  regal  state  he  comes; 

His  path  with  ivy,  myrtle,  palm  leaves,  strown, 

His  brow  with  laurels  crown'd,  inwove  with  flowers, 

And  countless  multitudes  meanwhile  the  ground 

Thick  clothe  with  robes,  and  hoarse  with  praising  sing. 

I  tell  ye,  Princes,  that  this  Pest  must  die ! 

This  to  devise — when,  and  by  what  best  means, 

With  wile,  intrigue,  or  subtilty  arcane, 

You  now  are  suinmon'd  to  debate.     No  friend 

Of  Caesar  here  will  plead  excuse ;  who  would 

Be  Caesar's  friend,  or  Israel's,  let  him  speak, 

If  he  some  counsel  to  this  end  may  show." 

The  chief  Priest,  wrathful,  thus  prologue  began, 
Then  sat.     Stifled  their  rage  was,  him  who  heard, 
By  strenu'ous  effort,  and  main  force  kept  down, 
Struggling  for  vent,  with  moans  and  hissing  taunts, 
Gibes,  groans;  signs  of  fierce  wrath,  not  all  suppress'd. 
As  subterranean  fires,  closely  pent, 
With  restless  heavings  chafe  the  troubled  ground, 
Till  from  some  mountain's  grisly  brow  they  spume, 
Roll  down  its  sides,  o'erspread  the  fertile  fields, 
Consume  green  forests,  tumbling  torrents  dry, 


REDEMPTION.  249 

Seeth,  hiss,  roar,  boil,  and  dire  destruction  spread; 
Or,  as  wild  beasts,  a  moment  held  at  bay, 
Restless,  with  bloodshot  eyes,  and  foaming  jaws, 
Their  panting  sides  lash  with  their  frenzied  tails; 
But  once  released,  impetuous  shake  the  plain, 
And  rush  with  frightful  roarings  to  the  fray. 
So  these,  as  soon  as  Caiphas  ceased,  brutal 
With  wrath,  the  angry  contest  wage  against 
The  lowly  Nazarene;  his  life  defame, 
Mistate  his  teachings,  base  malign  his  deeds, 
Impute  to  magic,  or  the  pow'rs  of  hell ; 
Attribute  doctrines  false,  then  easy  rend, 
And  make  him  minister  of  every  ill. 
The  prince  of  darkness  fann'd  the  kindling  flames, 
With  malice  fed,  and  urged  the  wordy  war; 
Till  one  arose,  a  Doctor  of  the  Law, 
Renown'd  for  wisdom,  love  of  justice,  truth; 
Whom  now  to  hear,  the  strife  awhile  surceased. 
Calm  was  his  aspect,  venerable  his  mien. 
Deliberate  his  speech,  as  age  became : 

"  Wise  men  of  Israel,  learned  in  the  Law, 
If  aught  in  former  times,  I  have  deserved 
Of  deference  from  your  ear,  me  now  attend. 
Let  no  unseemly  passion  stir  to  blind 
Your  riper  reason,  or  your  sense  obtund; 
For  I,  your  keenest  judgment,  clearest  sense, 
Collected  wisdom,  and  forbearance,  need. 
Distasteful  should  my  cause  be  to  your  ear, 
Bear  with  me  gently ;  if  not  for  its  sake, 
Yet  for  my  years,  who  Israel's  welfare  strive. 
Remember  too  our  fundamental  law — 
*  To  judge  with  equity,  and  first  to  hear, 

21* 


250  REDEMPTION. 

Without  respect  of  persons,  great  or  small.' 
Then,  first  I  ask,  who  is  this  Nazarene, 
Whom  without  trial  ye  would  thus  condemn  ? 
At  least  he  is  a  Jew.     That,  something  fends; 
And  with  the  Jewish  people  much  must  plead. 
But  what  is  his  descent?  and  whence  his  name? 
For  these  are  questions  that  deserve  your  care. 
Consult  the  public  registries,  open 
To  all,  as  I  have  done;  his  lineage  trace. 
The  Son  of  Joseph,  ye  repute.     'Tis  well; 
•  He  was;  the  carpenter,  poor  and  obscure, 
And  from  this  fact  your  pity  more  demands. 
1  Rescue  the  poor,'  'tis  writ,  '  the  needy  save.' 
But  who  is  he?  A  just  man  in  the  line 
Of  David ;  so  the  record  says ;  read  it — 
The  son  of  Jacob,  Nathan,  Abiud ; 
Abiud  of  Zorobable;  and  he 
Of  good  Josias,  king,  in  Ozias'  line, 
Whom  Joram  did  beget;  him  Josaphat, 
From  Asa  sprung;  thence  Solomon,  direct 
From  David's  loins,  our  prophet,  priest,  and  king. 
On  th'  other  side,  his  mother,  Mary  rose, 
Immediate  from  Joachim;  remote, 
Of  Heli's  loins,  who  was  of  Levi  born ; 
So  traced  through  Melchi,  Janne,  Addi ;  thence, 
By  Cosan  led,  through  Helmadan  and  Her, 
To  Menna,  Nathan,  David;  so  that  she, 
From  the  same  stock,  the  root  of  Isai  sprang. 
A  royal  priesthood  this,  a  kingly  line — 
Bear  with  me,  friends;  I  would  not  stir  your  wrath; 
Nor  yet  speak  aught  but  what  yourselves  may  learn. 
The  record  open  is,  and  free  to  all; 


REDEMPTION.  251 

And  Israel  at  least,  must  scorn  to  be 

Unjust,  e'en  to  the  lowliest  of  their  sons. 

This  Man  may  be  all  that  you  charge,  and  more; 

Nor  do  I  say  that  he  Messias  is, 

For  that  ye  could  not  bear;  but  this  I  say, 

Our  law  condemns  not  any  till  it  hear. 

You  all  remember  when,  a  youth,  he  stood 

Before  the  learned,  in  the  sacred  courts, 

Expounding  Scripture,  and  amazed  us  all 

With  questions  and  replies.     You  did  not  doubt 

His  wisdom  then,  but  wonder'd  at  his  lore; 

Nor  with  his  doctrines  did  ye  aught  find  fault. 

There  be  who  sit  here,  that  have  with  him  talk'd, 

As  friend  with  friend,  familiar;  whether  at  meat, 

Or  going  to  him  by  night ;  they  could  tell, 

If  they  would  testify,  whether  he  now, 

From  those  great  truths  departs ;  but  those,  who  hear 

Rather,  impels  to  follow  and  obey. 

Nor  doth  he  secretly  these  counsels  urge ; 

But  open,  with  loud  voice,  in  synagogue, 

In  temple,  midst  the  public  ways,  enjoins 

All  that  you  teach,  to  hear,  observe  and  do. 

This  not  the  seeming  hath,  as  though  he  strove 

To  draw  the  people  from  Mosaic  rites, 

Or  of  his  words  the  strictest  scrut'ny  fear'd — 

Spare  me  a  moment  yet,  my  friends,  I  would 

Not  pain  you ;  but,  perhaps,  from  rashness  save. 

For,  if  his  works,  or  counsels,  be  of  man, 

They  '11  come  to  naught ;  but  if  of  heav'n,  refrain ; 

Lest,  hapless,  ye  be  found  to  fight  'gainst  God. 

I  would  not  rouse  your  wrath,  his  works  to  cite ; 

But,  who  hath  not  seen  Lazarus,  once  dead  ? 


252  REDEMPTION. 

Or  who,  the  man  born  blind,  restored  to  sight  ? — 

I  beg — be  just — for  ye  are  learned  men ; 

Too  high  in  power  and  exemplary  worth, 

T'  o'erheed  these  hasty  words  thrown  out.     I  pass 

To  other  things.     Hear  me  but  one  word  more. 

For  I  will  pass  the  moral  of  his  acts, 

To  kind,  forgiving  be,  and  merciful, 

And  just;  the  bruised  reed  not  break,  nor  quench 

The  smoking  flax ;  but  ask  at  once,  and  end — 

What  doth  he  here,  now,  at  Jerusalem  ? 

He  leads  the  people  to  observe  the  Pasch. 

Would  any  foe  to  Israel's  law,  do  this  ?" 

So  spake  the  bold  good  man,  Joseph  the  just, 
With  many'  a  pause  between,  oft  interrupt; 
Single,  against  so  many  pitted,  firm, 
Unalterable,  unmoved,  unabash'd, 
Nor  fear'd  their  anger,  malice,  scorn  or  hate. 
When,  fierce,  Matthias  rose ;  not  he,  on  whom 
The  lot  fell  afterwards,  with  Barnabas, 
To  serve,  in  place  of  that  arch  traitor,  who, 
His  Lord,  deicidal  betray'd ;  but  he, 
Asmoneus'  son,  a  priest  of  Modin, 
Who,  vi'lent,  Bacchides  slew,  and  then  fled. 
Dark  passion  limn'd  his  face,  as  thus  in  brief, 
Brief  from  his  rage,  with  choler  choked,  he  posed : 

"  Is  't  not  enough  this  Brawler  should  disturb 
The  public  peace  ?  but — out  upon  it ! — we 
Must  hear,  in  Bethdin,  sung,  the  miscreants  praise  ? 
My  voice  is — seize  and  crucify  the  wretch ; 
And  with  him,  all  who  pander  to  his  crimes. 
Traitors  in  our  midst !     0  Abraham  !  hath 
Israel  fall'n  thus?  without  the  nerve  to  slay? 


KEDEMPTION.  253 

Silent  his  tongue  be,  palsied  be  his  limbs, 

That  speaks  nor  moves  to  compass  this  Man's  death, 

And  cursed  for  aye  in  Israel  be  his  race." 

Thus  froth'd  Asmonides,  when  next,  more  shrewd, 
Though  not  less  fill'd  with  hate,  Joazer  spoke, 
Boethius'  son ;  who,  sleek,  with  honied  words, 
Judea  sooth'd,  when  Caesar's  envoys  chafed 
The  tribes  with  new  enrollment,  hard  oppress'd. 
He  fear'd  sedition,  though  by  this  he  rose 
To  sacerdotal,  from  plebeian  rank, 
In  that  Matthias  place,  who  fell  deprived, 
To  sate  revenge  of  Antipater's  son ; 
And  tumult  fear'd,  though  not  from  love  of  peace, 
But  lest  disturb  should  him  deprive  of  spoils ; 
For  this  he  spake,  and  thus  his  scheme  apposed  : 

"  Estates  of  Israel,  princes,  rulers,  chiefs, 
Caution,  not  less  than  our  detest,  should  lead 
Our  quest  as  to  what  means  may  us  relieve 
From  this  bad  Man,  this  wrangler,  Israel's  bane, 
Who  comes  with  show  of  seeming  sanctity 
Severe,  and  zeal,  our  priesthood  to  asperse, 
And  draw  down  vulgar  odium  on  our  rule. 
Caution,  lest  the  base  rabble,  who  his  feet 
Pursue — wine-bibbers,  gluttons,  brawlers,  lewd,  infame, 
So  num'rous  grown  of  late,  should  tumult  brew. 
Such  have,  not  seldom,  Juda's  peace  embroil'd; 
And  these,  as  seen,  no  less  seditious,  sow 
Distrust,  plot  discord,  and  the  state  subvert 
By  civil  war ;  as  well  ye  know,  erewhile 
Did  Alexander,  who,  a  base  born  priest, 
Uprose  seditious,  nor  desisted  till 
He  slew  more  than  five  times  ten  thousand  Jews. 


254  REDEMPTION. 

So,  later,  in  the  taxing  Sadduc  rose, 

From  whom  the  Sadducees  derive  their  name, 

Tumultuous  rose,  with  rapine,  slaughter,  fire 

And  sword ;  nor  spared  the  temple,  but  consumed 

With  sacrilegious  brands;  and  all  as  now, 

Under  the  plea  of  public  weal  misled. 

So  Amram,  Eleazar,  Tholomy, 

Were  left  by  our  demur,  to  flesh  their  hordes, 

And  batten  on  the  lambs  of  Israel's  fold. 

Thus  now  this  Nazarene,  with  bold  attempt, 

Doth  us  assail,  our  priesthood,  office,  troth ; 

Nor  do  we  know  to  what  pass  this  may  come, 

If  our  connivance  let  him  persevere, 

And  we  no  hindrance  bar  to  his  defect. 

Yet  should  we  now  assail  with  open  force, 

What  hath  so  long  been  left  accretive  grow, 

Some  dire  result  I  fear  will  supervene, 

Sedition,  slaughter,  internecine  war ; 

More  to  be  fear'd  than  famine,  pestilence, 

Or  the  destroying  angel's  vengeful  sword. 

Some  secret  toil  must  then,  I  ween,  be  set, 

By  which  entrapp'd,  from  threat'ning  crowds  withdrawn, 

We  him,  perforce  dragg'd  from  his  lair,  may  bring 

Before  us ;  try  by  willing  witnesses, 

Suborn'd;  convict,  and  so  condemn  to  death. 

Nor  yet  discretion  waive,  but  cautious  move ; 

Your  deepest  thought  apply,  lest  tumult  rise, 

With  detriment  to  state  and  solemn  Pasch. 

Ye  see  how  frequent  swarm  his  partisans, 

By  our  high  suff'rance  now  audacious  grown. 

Whate'er  result  this  solemn  council  crowns, 

Action  should  instant  follow  firm  resolve." 


REDEMPTION.  255 

With  fond  pretence,  ardor  well  timed,  and  show 
Of  zeal  for  Israel's  peace,  Joazer  thus, 
Not  without  praise,  advised ;  and  scarce  had  ceased, 
When  strange  irruption  thrill'd  th'  excited  hall. 
Or  man,  or  demon,  he  might  either  seem, 
Who  slunk  with  gait  unsteady  in  their  midst. 
Haggard  his  mien  was,  downcast  was  his  eye, 
Or  roll'd  suspicious,  scanning  whom  he  saw, 
With  gloamy  look,  askant,  malicious  leer. 
Fell  passion  blanch'd  his  face  with  ghastly  white, 
Or  livid  shades  threw  o'er  his  shaggy  brow ; 
Whom  Caiphas  thus  with  troubled  aspect  broach'd : 

"  Whence  com'st  thou,  wretch,  unbidden  to  this  place? 
No  place  for  thee,  unless  thy  doubting  mien 
Belies  thee,  one  of  the  Twelve  and  Whom  we  hate. 
Intent  to  pry  perhaps,  who  counsel  here  ?" 

So  he  with  questions  half,  and  half  surmise ; 
To  whom  the  felon,  unperturbed  replied  : 

"  As  thou  me  deem'st  I  am,  nor  aught  belies, 
One  of  the  Twelve ;  but  yet,  on  these  pry  not 
For  Him,  whom  I  as  well  hate,  and  with  cause, 
Whose  tyranny  sore  presses  those,  who  serve 
His  austere  rule,  strict  motive,  and  severe, 
Nor  known  to  Israel's  law.     Him  then  I  hate, 
Have  left,  and  would  with  these  conjoin,  did  fit 
Inducement  offer;  and  Him  now  betray. 

Caiphas  to  whom,  with  joy  insane,  return'd  : 

"Well  is  thy  coming,  friend,  and  opportune; 
Timely  thy  words,  that  merit  much,  if  true; 
Though  else,  not  spoken,  or  so,  not  perform'd, 
Must  fall  with  sev'nfold  weight  on  thine  own  head, 
Who  promise ;  as  shall  soon  redound  to  all, 


256  KEDEMPTION. 

That  cleave  to  this  Man's  cause,  and  us  contemn. 
Evil  betide  him  then,  who  disobeys ; 
But  good  to  thee,  if  thy  performing  pace 
Keeps  equal  with  thy  words  and  promise  giv'n. 
High  shalt  thou  be  exalt,  who  us  subserv'st, 
With  badge  emblazoned  on  thy  lofty  brow ; 
Thy  fame  all  peoples  learn,  all  times  extend; 
Be  raised  too  high  for  envy's  keenest  shaft, 
For,  none  shall  envy,  none  say — Would  't  were  I. 
Nor  this  the  end  be;  but,  suffice  it  now — 
The  price  thou  askest  shall  be  amply  paid, 
And  more  than  may  be  mention'd  in  the  pledge." 

Whilst  they,  demented,  thus  compact  with  hell, 
In  words,  which  Satan  had  himself  inspired, 
Made  firm  and  sure,  innocent  blood  to  shed, 
The  Son  of  God,  and  his  disciples,  sat 
Around  the  paschal  board,  with  legal  meat, 
Mosaic  rites  to  close,  and  institute 
The  New,  his  grace  designed,  with  flesh  and  blood, 
Broken  and  shed,  his  own,  true  paschal  Lamb. 
Rising,  the  Master  now  the  servant's  place 
Assumes;  disrobed,  and  with  a  towel  girt, 
The  ready  bowl,  from  well-charged  ewer  fills, 
And  meekly  washes  his  disciples  feet, 
Enjoin'd  with  precept,  by  example  giv'n, 
To  do  to  each  as  he  to  them  had  done ; 
And  so  pronounced  them  clean;  clean,  but  not  all; 
For  whom  he  chose,  he  knew;  and  so  fulfill'd 
The  word's  of  Isai's  son — Who  eats  my  bread, 
Hath  spurn'd  me  with  his  heel,  supplanting  me. 
The  rite  accomplish' d,  and  his  seat  resumed, 
Peaceful  his  sacred  brow,  radiant  with  light, 


REDEMPTION.  257 

Beams  on  the  favour'd  Twelve ;  whilst  thus  to  them, 
These  heav'nly  words,  serenely  he  address'd, 
And  thence  the  mystic  Sacrifice  endows: 

"  This  Pasch,  I  have  desired  to  eat  with  you, 
Before  I  suffer  and  from  hence  depart. 
The  time  is  now,  and  I  no  more  will  eat 
Of  it  with  you,  until  my  kingdom  comes. 
The  Son  of  Man  shall  soon  be  glorified ; 
But  as,  ere  wheat  springs  up  and  brings  forth  fruit, 
It  dies,  so  must  it  be  with  him,  who  speaks. 
What  shall  I  say- — Father,  save  me  from  this  hour  ? 
But  'tis  for  this  cause,  I  to  this  hour  come. 
Nay  rather — Father  glorify  thy  name. 
Now  is  the  judgement  of  this  world  begun ; 
Now  shall  the  prince  of  darkness  be  cast  out. 
And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  earth, 
Will  from  the  height  draw  all  things  to  myself. 
Remember  what  erewhile  1  said  to  you — 
I  am  the  living  bread  from  heav'n  come  down ; 
Of  which,  who  eats,  the  same  fore'er  shall  live. 
Behold  the  myst'ry  of  redeeming  love  ! 
The  bread  that  I  now  give  you  is  my  flesh. 
Except  ye  eat  my  flesh,  and  drink  my  blood, 
No  life  shall  in  you  be.     But  he  that  eats, 
And  he  that  drinks,  hath  everlasting  life, 
And  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day. 
My  flesh  is  meat,  my  blood  is  drink  indeed; 
Of  these,  who  eats  and  drinks,  abides  in  me. 
As  now  the  living  Father  me  hath  sent, 
And  as  by  him  I  live,  so,  who  me  eats, 
The  same  shall  live  by  me,  and  never  die. 
The  Spirit  quick'neth;  flesh  no  profit  hath; 

22 


258  REDEMPTION. 

The  words  I  speak  are  spirit,  and  true  life. 
And  lo,  the  mystery  is  now  explain' d — 
Blessing  this  bread,  I  break;  take  it,  and  eat; 
This  is  my  body,  which  is  giv'n  for  you. 
This  for  commemoration  do  of  me. 
So  of  this  chalice  now  I  give  to  you — 
This,  the  new  testament  is  in  my  blood, 
Which  shall  be  shed  for  you;  take  it,  and  drink. 
For  of  this  fruit  I  now  no  more  will  taste, 
Until  I  drink  it  new  with  you  in  heav'n." 

Touch'd  by  the  pathos  of  his  sacred  words, 
The  chosen  bow,  as  from  his  hand,  they  take 
That  soul-sustaining  food,  and  Him  adore. 
Wonder  and  awe,  in  silence  hold  them  bound, 
Till  sadness  opes  the  floodgates  of  their  souls; 
Sadness,  with  love  infused,  free  torrents  pours, 
And  copious  bathes  the  hand  which  them  so  bless'd. 
Meanwhile,  the  Saviour  tenderly  pursued : 

"  Err  not,  in  what  I  say.     Not  all  shall  live, 
Who  of  my  flesh,  or  of  my  blood,  partake. 
For,  who  unworthy  eats,  or  who  thus  drinks, 
Shall  guilty  be  both  of  the  body'  and  blood; 
And  eats  and  drinks  damnation  to  his  soul, 
Discerning  not  the  body  of  the  Lord. 
You,  have  I  chosen  from  the  world;  all  whom 
I  know ;  and,  one  of  you  a  devil  hath. 
To  you  'twas  said — The  Son  of  Man  will  be 
Betray'd.     And  now,  behold  !  the  hand  of  him, 
Who  doth  betray,  is  with  me  on  the  board." 

Conscious  of  guilt,  the  trait'rous  coward  quails; 
But  each  the  rest  each  innocent  believes, 
And  shrinks  aghast  with  horror,  as  o'erpow'r'd. 


REDEMPTION.  259 

Fear  smote  their  knees,  sorrow  their  hearts  depress'd, 

Whilst  each  in  turn,  with  troubled  accent  ask'd, 

Or  choked  with  sobbing  grief — Lord  is  it  I? — 

Lord  is  it  I?    the  same  sad  asking,  plies 

Peter,  the  Chief;  so,  Alpheus,  Philip,  James — 

Lord  is  it  I  ?  with  mournful  voice  entone ; 

And  he,  who  lean'd  on  Jesus'  breast,  beloved, 

With  piercing  anguish  raised  his  tearful  eye, 

To  search  the  Master's  mind ;  whilst  last,  abash'd, 

With  husky  voice,  and  stert'rous  breath,  repress'd, 

The  trembling  felon  asks — Lord  is  it  I  ? 

T'  whom,  meek  the  Lamb  of  sacrifice  replies : 

"  He,  who  with  me  his  hand  dips  in  the  dish, 
That  same  is  he.     The  Son  of  Man,  indeed, 
Doth  go  the  way,  as  it  of  him  is  writ ; 
But  woe  to  him  by  whom  he  is  betray'd; 
'Twere  better  for  him,  he  had  ne'er  been  born." 

The  wretch  stigmatic,  fast  by  Satan  bound, 
Soon  from  the  sacred  presence  stealthy  slunk ; 
When  thus  the  Lamb  of  God,  serenely  mild, 
With  words  consoling,  his  firm  friends  composed : 

"  Let  not  your  hearts  be  troubled,  nor  afraid ; 
God  ye  believe,  believe  also  in  Me. 
Many  a  mansion  hath  my  Father's  house, 
To  which  I  go,  your  places  to  prepare. 
The  way  I  go,  ye  know — I  am  the  way, 
And  I  the  truth  am,  and  eternal  life. 
They  who  me  love,  will  my  commandments  keep; 
Them  will  my  Father  love,  and  I  will  love, 
And  open  manifest  myself  to  them. 
Let  not  your  hearts  be  troubled,  nor  afraid. 
With  you  my  peace  shall  bide,  myself  will  bide ; 


260  REDEMPTION. 

For  though  I  go  from  hence,  I  yet  remain ; 
•A  mystery,  which  but  mine  can  comprehend. 
And  now  behold,  a  new  command  I  give — 
Each  other  love,  as  I  have  loved  you. 
Much  more  I  will  not  speak  with  you;  for  now 
The  prince  of  this  world  comes,  as  erst  he  came, 
And  in  the  desert  tried,  but  in  me  naught 
Could  find,  since  naught  of  his  within  me  is. 
No  greater  love  can  man  his  brother  show, 
Than  in  his  brother's  stead  to  yield  his  life. 
My  life  I  yield  for  you,  my  chosen  friends; 
And  know,  the  time  shall  come,  when  you  shall  thus 
Be  tried ;  from  every  synagogue  be  thrust, 
And  whoso  killeth  you,  will  service  think 
He  doth  to  God.     These  things  at  first  I  told 
You  not,  because  I  yet  with  you  remained. 
Now  that  I  tell  you,  sorrow  fills  your  heart. 
But  be  not  sad ;  for  when  I  go  away, 
The  Comforter  will  come,  the  Paraclete. 
He  then  will  comfort  you,  and  all  things  bring 
To  mind  which  I  so  oft  have  said ;  the  past 
Shall  all  recall,  and  show  all  things  to  come. 
Ye  sorrow  now;  but  when  I  come  again, 
Your  sorrow  shall  be  turn'd  to  joy;  a  joy, 
Which  none  from  you  hath  pow'r  to  take  away."     [sooth'd, 

With  words  like  these,  their  sorrowing  minds  he 
Celestial  balm  pour'd  in  their  every  wound, 
Assuaged  their  anguish,  fill'd  their  hearts  with  love, 
And  knit  their  souls  to  his  in  sweet  accord. 
Softer  his  tone  was,  fragrant  more  his  breath, 
Than  sacred  oil,  on  Aaron's  head  infused, 
Which  down  his  beard  ran,  and  his  skirts  perfumed. 


REDEMPTION.  261 

More  sweet  than  honey  and  the  honeycomb, 
Or  dews  that  bathe  the  brow  of  Hermon's  hill, 
His  words  fell  on  their  hearts,  who  him  received, 
With  rapture  own'd,  believed,  confess'd,  adored. 
Nor  ceased  with  these ;  for  soft,  in  silver  sounds, 
With  teeming  eye  to  heav'n  upraised,  sublime 
The  gracious  Saviour  thus  the  Father  pray'd  : 

"Father,  the  hour  hath  come  to  glorify 
Thy  Son,  who  also  glorifieth  thee. 
To  me,  o'er  flesh  thou  hast  imparted  pow'r, 
Eternal  life  to  give  to  whom  thou  wilt. 
To  know  thee  is  eternal  life,  and  me, 
Whom  thou  hast  sent.     And  lo  !  the  work  is  done, 
Which  thou  hast  given  me  to  do.     Thy  name 
Is  manifest  to  men,  who  have  believed 
In  very  deed,  that  I  have  come  from  thee. 
For  these  I  pray.     Just  Father,  keep  them  ev'r 
In  thy  name,  that  one  they  may,  as  we,  be. 
Whom  thou  hast  giv'n  to  me  I've  kept;  and  but 
Perdition's  hapless  son,  not  one  is  lost. 
And  now  I  come  to  thee ;  I  pray  not  these 
Be  taken  from  the  world,  but  that  they  free 
From  evil  be  preserved.     Them  sanctify 
In  truth.     Thy  word  is  truth.     Solely  for  them, 
I  pray  not ;  but  for  all,  who,  through  their  word, 
Believe  in  me ;  that  they  may  all  be  one, 
As,  Father,  thou  in  me  and  I  in  thee'  art, 
So,  they  may  also  one  be  made  in  us ; 
That  they  the  glory  thou  hast  giv'n  to  me, 
May  see,  who  loved  me  ere  the  world  began. 
Holy  Father,  the  world  hath  known  thee  not ; 

But  I  have  known  thee ;  and,  so  these  now  know, 

22* 


262  REDEMPTION. 

To  whom  I  have  been  sent.     To  them  have  I 
Reveal'd  thy  name,  and  still  will  make  it  known, 
That  they  thy  love  may  feel ;  the  love  wherewith 
Thou  hast  loved  me  may  feel,  and  full  possess; 
As  mine  in  them,  and  thine  in  me,  abides." 

Softer  than  zephyr's  breath  his  pray'r  arose, 
More  pleasing  than  eolian  harp  to  hear, 
Or  Israel's  minstrelsy  when  sweetest  tuned. 
Swift  through  th'  ethereal  sky  it  wing'd  its  way, 
Transpierced  the  golden  gates,  reach'd  Mercy's  ear, 
Nor  yet  had  ceased,  when  answ'ring  grace  return'd ; 
Whilst  awe  profound  held  his  disciples  mute, 
Immoveably  transfix'd,  and  bathed  in  tears, 
Silent,  but  irrepressible.     No  sound 
Disturbed  the  solemn  impress  made,  nor  broke 
The  pause,  which  his  petition  closed,  till  he 
Himself — Arise,  said,  let  us  now  go  hence. 


THE  END  OF  THE  EIGHTH  BOOK. 


THE 


NINTH    BOOK 


ARGUMENT. 


God  witnesses  from  on  high  the  course  of  events,  leading  to  the 
betrayal  of  his  divine  Son.  He  summons  the  angels  around  his 
throne,  vindicates  his  justice,  shows  the  guiltiness  of  man,  and  bids 
them  patiently  abide  the  result  of  the  contest,  about  to  transpire 
between  earth  and  hell,  and  Christ.  The  agony  and  bloody  sweat, 
in  the  garden  of  Gethtemani;  during  which,  Satan  renews  his 
attempt  to  subdue  the  suffering  Godman.  He  prays;  and  God  sends 
the  archangel  Michael  to  strengthen  him.  Judas  approaches,  with  a 
band  of  soldiers,  and  betrays  him  with  a  kiss.  They  bind  and  lead 
him  to  Caiphas.  He  is  condemned,  and  sent  to  Pilate.  The  remorse 
of  Judas;  he  returns  the  price  of  blood,  and  goes  out  and  hangs 
himself.  The  angel  Areli  is  sent  to  warn  Pilate,  through  his  wife 
Claudia,  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  just  Man.  Notwithstanding 
which,  Pilate  scourges  him,  and  delivers  him  to  the  Jews  to  be  crucified, 
proclaiming  at  the  same  time  the  entire  innocence  of  his  Victim. 


BOOK  IX. 

Th'  eternal  Father,  bending  from  on  high, 
Serenely  views  the  passing  scenes  of  earth, 
And  gives  the  summons,  which  around  his  throne, 
Frequent,  th'  angelic  citizens  convokes. 
Swift,  at  his  nod,  the  flaming  seraphs  fly, 
Thronging  innum'rable  the  heav'nly  plains ; 
Who  well  knew,  both  as  from  angelic  ken, 
Which  no  obstruction  finds  through  distant  view, 
And  of  late  messengers  from  earth  arrived, 
The  doleful  sequence  of  redemption's  plan, 
Impending  sorrow  to  the  Son  of  God. 
With  pity  touch'd,  though  not  their  bliss  impair'd, 
They  wait  the  mandates  of  supernal  Pow'r  j 
Whom,  now  attent,  He  calmly  thus  address'd : 

"  Princes  of  heav'n,  celestial  orders  bright, 
Participants  with  me  in  ceaseless  joy, 
Behold  the  measure  of  my  love  for  man, 
Before  the  worlds  began,  ye  were ;  and  ere 
Intestine  wars  your  blissful  seats  disturbed, 
Or  heav'n  embroil'd,  my  providence  ye  knew; 
Knew  me,  and  on  Whom  from  eternity, 
The  full  effulgence  of  my  glory  shone, 


266  REDEMPTION. 

Whom,  co-existent,  Son,  I  sole  begot. 

Him  now  I  give,  his  life,  for  fallen  man, 

Justice  and  mercy,  each  to  keep  intact ; 

Promised  to  him,  who  fell  not  of  himself, 

But  thereto  drawn,  by  our  malignant  foe. 

This  day,  the  perfect  sacrifice  demands; 

This  day,  the  solemn  holocaust  begins. 

God  to  himself  for  broken  law  atones, 

Blots  man's  transgression  with  redeeming  blood ; 

Purer  than  that,  which  Abel's  altar  stain'd, 

Or  that,  which  Carmel's  hallow'd  top  enlaved, 

Or  pour'd  its  sacred  stream  along  the  plains, 

When  Maccabees  thank  off'rings  to  me  made ; 

Whose  sacrifices,  fire  from  heav'n  consumed, 

As  sign  acceptable  by  me  rain'd  down. 

But  how,  since  my  beloved  Son  must  die, 

My  justice  to  appease,  preserved  unstain'd, 

Shall  justice  reconcilement  find,  with  mulct 

To  those  who  slay  ?     May  not  rebellious,  still 

With  reason  judge,  unjust  the  punishment, 

That  doth  necessity  on  them  impose? 

With  reason,  true,  if 't  were  necessity, 

Which  them  impels ,  but  not  so,  by  free-will. 

Death  was  decreed  to  mend  the  broken  law. 

But  what  death,  who  should  slay,  and  how,  from  me, 

No  motion  hath.     Death  comes  unbid  to  all ; 

Nor  seldom,. by  my  high  permissive  will; 

Or,  as  with  agony  and  bloody  sweat 

Exhaust,  or  by  man's  guilt  assumed,  weigh'd  down. 

Death  him  would  find  then,  vi'lence  not  imposed, 

Did  they  leave  this  omit,  nor  shed  his  blood. 

But,  since  their  malice,  stimulate  by  hell, 


REDEMPTION.  267 

Or  innate  wickedness,  no  more  defers, 

Yet  will  I  not  forefend  redeeming  grace 

From  those  ev'n,  should  they  still  their  act  repent, 

That  all  alike  participate  its  fruits. 

Free  made  I  them  in  this,  e'en  this  extreme, 

(Beyond  which,  mortal  turpitude  and  hate, 

And  dev'lish  malice,  cannot  farther  go,) 

Free  to  accept  the  safety  that  he  brings, 

Or  to  refuse,  or  deal  with  as  they  list, 

That  their  condemning  sole  may  on  them  rest, 

And  their  deserving  be  from  their  own  act; 

Though,  as  by  grace,  His  righteousness  impute. 

That  I  foreknew,  doth  not  imply  decree, 

Nor  leave  them  less  free  agents  in  their  deeds. 

Here  then  my  justice  shines,  clear  in  all  parts, 

And  no  subjection  hath  to  man's  demur. 

Nor  more  shall  they,  me,  with  their  blindness  charge ; 

Nor  make  me  answ'rable  with  their  defect. 

What  more  could  I  have  done  to  keep  them  right  ? 

What  lavish  more  upon  the  stubborn  race  ? 

Prophets  and  priests,  I  sent  them  to  instruct; 

Gave  oracles,  and  laws,  and  solemn  rites ; 

Sent  you,  my  messengers,  with  them  to  speak ; 

In  divers  figures  oft  myself  reveal'd, 

Or  sent  my  Son,  my  image  sole  express'd, 

And  talk'd  with  them  familiar,  friend  with  friend; 

Walk'd  with  them  in  the  pill'r  of  cloud  and  fire, 

With  voice  in  thunder  tones  spake  from  the  mount, 

Or  in  the  Spirits  still  small  voice  address'd, 

With  whispers,  whistling  as  of  gentle  air. 

Bless' d  them  in  Jacob,  multiplied  their  seed, 

Begot  them  Barac,  Sampson,  mighty  men, 


268  REDEMPTION. 

Jephtha  and  David,  types  of  him  now  sent; 

Fought  them  their  battles,  raised  their  dead  to  life, 

Wrought  justice,  kingdom's  won,  the  mouths  of  lions 

Stopp'd,  harmless  made  as  lambs,  and  saved  them  oft 

From  pestilence,  and  tortures  worse  than  death. 

Nor  ceased  with  these,  their  wayward  wills  to  curb ; 

But  through  successive  times  kept  them  advised, 

With  types  and  figures,  and  memorial  rites, 

The  coming  of  the  woman's  promised  Seed ; 

Nor  with  mute  forms  alone,  though  the  whole  law, 

Law  ceremonial,  to  this  juncture  tends; 

But  sent  them  seers,  who  saw  before  the  time, 

The  date  and  dawning  of  Messias'  reign. 

Bade  them  describe  him,  and  his  lineage  trace, 

Point  out  his  tribe,  tell  where  he  should  be  born, 

And  by  my  servant  Daniel  named  the  time, 

That  all  might  know  when  his  advent  should  be. 

The  fullness  of  the  weeks  at  length  arrived ; 

Messias  went;  in  grace  and  wisdom  grew, 

(Or  seeming  grew,  unfolding  perfect  Man,) 

And  daily  open  walked  in  their  midst; 

Received  the  Spirit  visibly,  baptized  ; 

My  voice  heard,  audible  declare — This  is 

My  well  beloved  Son;  bade — Hear  ye  him. 

Heard  him,  himself  proclaim  th'  anointed  Christ; 

His  teachings  knew,  his  miracles  beheld, 

Works,  which  none  others  had  the  pow'r  to  do. 

What  more  then,  to  this  people  could  be  done  ? 

Or  more  paternal  tenderness  how  show  ? 

Yet  they  his  mission  willfully  abuse ; 

His  way  obstruct,  his  miracles  ascribe 

To  Beelzebub,  or  art,  or  magic  pow'r. 


REDEMPTION.  269 

His  name  blaspheme,  and  mine ;  both  him  and  me, 

Reject;  him  seek  to  slay;  and  so  will  slay, 

Calling  his  blood  in  vengeance  on  their  heads. 

What  shall  prevent  ?  Shall  I  ?  That  were  to  strike 

Their  free  will  nihilate,  and  abject  slaves 

Make,  in  the  stead  of  sons.     No,  free  I  made 

Them ;  free  to  will  and  do ;  free  to  refuse ; 

With  the  known  penalty,  should  they  transgress. 

The  good  they  know,  with  liberty  to  choose ; 

The  ill  before  them,  still  as  free  to  do, 

And  none  to  justly  censure  but  themselves. 

Stand  then,  ye  Just,  aboon  this  contest  view; 

Earth  and  the  pow'rs  of  hell,  against  the  Christ. 

Weak  is  their  strength,  and  brief  their  conquest  won, 

If  won — when,  he  who  seems  so  abject  now, 

His  face  so  marr'd,  and  stain'd  with  his  own  gore, 

Stricken  with  grief,  in  agony  of  prayer, 

Shall  rise  in  splendor  and  o'erride  his  foes ; 

Captivity  lead  captive,  and  his  gifts, 

To  men  of  good  will,  strong  in  faith,  impart; 

All  things  beneath  his  feet,  at  length  subject, 

And  I  with  him  supreme,  be  all  in  all." 

So  spake  the  Father,  just  in  all  his  ways, 
And  love's  redeeming  mysteries  evolved, 
Now  wrought  to  rescue  man  from  guilt  of  sin. 
Him  heard  the  heav'nly  choirs,  that  round  his  throne, 
Thicker  than  stars  conglobed,  reflect  his  beams ; 
Heard,  and  to  him  gave  praise,  thanks,  honor  due, 
With  right  to  do,  as  he  to  his  deems  just. 
Not  loud,  sonorous,  clear,  with  lively  joy, 
As  wont,  they  now  the  Father's  praise  entone  ; 
Nor  yet  with  sound  of  trumpet,  psaltry,  harp, 

23 


270  REDEMPTION. 

Nor  dulcimer,  with  tinkling  cymbals  blent; 

(For  heav'n  that  day,  not  music's  rapture  knew ;) 

But  tender,  soft,  in  lengthen' d  measure  drawn, 

And  tremulous,  with  griefful  voice  depress'd, 

Sad  fugue,  with  plodding  cadence,  mournful,  slow ; 

Not  wanting  tears,  pure  crystal  drops  outpour'd, 

Which,  as  they  fell,  transpierced  with  rays  serene, 

Th'  ethereal  painted  in  prismatic  hues, 

The  bow  of  promise,  that  through  heav'n  portrays, 

Mercy  divine,  clear  shining  'bove  the  clouds 

Of  smother'd  wrath,  which  hide  his  face  from  earth, 

And  darkly  low'r  on  Calvary's  fated  hill. 

Gethsemani,  beneath  the  heav'nly  view, 
Desert  and  lone,  in  hebon  darkness  lay. 
Starless  the  sky  was,  and  with  clouds  o'erhung, 
Without  a  ray  to  cheer  the  threat'ning  gloom ; 
Void  of  angelic  guards,  whom  highest  Pow'r 
Had  summon' d  to  the  regions  of  the  sky , 
From  which  dread  moment,  Gabriel  and  his  hosts, 
With  all  heav'n's  shining  messengers  of  love, 
From  earth  withdrew,  in  darkling  woe  left  drear. 
The  Lamb  of  God,  in  sorrow  prostrate  bows, 
Neath  sin's  dire  burden  mountainous  press'd  down, 
Till  drops  of  bloody  sweat,  through  anguish  press'd, 
And  weight  of  others'  guilt,  embalm  the  ground. 
O'er  him  oppress'd,  with  midnight  wing  outspread, 
The  prince  of  darkness  horrible  draws  near ; 
Nor  distant  far  Sin's  grimy  shadow,  Death, 
Shakes,  terrible  with  wrath,  his  savage  dart  ; 
Whilst  imps  of  hell,  and  nameless  shapes  around, 
Midst  hideous  uproar,  fierce  beset  their  Prey ; 
When  thus  the  fiend  exulting  vaunts  aloud  : 


REDEMPTION.  271 

"Abject !  art  thou  now  subdued  ?  and  hast  tbou 
Learn'd,  that  who  reigns  here  supreme,  the  pow'r  hath 
His  own  to  keep,  against  thee,  join'd  with  him, 
Who  sent  thee  whence  thou  earnest?  Or  would'st  thou  still, 
Rebellious,  farther  proof  demand,  that  I 
No  rival  brook  here,  and  of  all,  least  Thee  ? 
I,  who,  thy  bold  invasion  of  my  rights, 
Repel ;  rights  by  my  prowess  won,  and  skill, 
Adventuring  from  the  Stygean  pool,  where  thou 
Vain  hoped'st  to  keep  me,  forceful  held  enchain' d ; 
Thine  equal  ever,  thy  superior  now ; 
Nor  more  will  spare  thee  torturing  fine  imposed, 
Than  thou  spared'st  me,  who  sought  but  to  be  freej 
Sought,  and  in  spite  of  thee,  did  fairly  win. 
Not  spare  thee,  but  with  tenfold  hate  beset, 
Will  thee,  lash'd  by  these  furies,  drag  from  hence, 
To  taste  the  anguish  of  that  prison  dim, 
By  Him  almighty  deem'd,  enjoin'd  on  us; 
When,  who  almighty  is,  thou  quick  shalt  learn. 
But  if  thou  yet  would'st  my  allegiance  own, 
Once  offer'd  thee,  with  all  earth's  kingdoms  join'd, 
I,  even  now,  if  thou  wert  wise  t'  accept, 
Would  fain  divide  with  thee,  to  me  subuiiss, 
More  merciful  than  Him,  who  naught  relents ; 
Who  makes  to  unmake,  raises  to  dethrone, 
And  in  his  sport,  capricious,  all  destroys ; 
Who  spares  not  any,  spares  not  even  Thee, 
His  own  Son  call'd,  whose  blood  distains  the  ground." 

With  vaulting  pride,  the  wily  Serpent  thus, 
And  threats,  his  project  to  seduce,  renew'd. 
To  whom,  though  sad,  deject,  and  sorrowful 
To  death,  neath  Sin's  dire  burden  sorely  press'd, 


272  REDEMPTION. 

The  Man  of  Sorrows  and  with  grief  acquaint, 
Deaf  ear  turn'd,  and  the  Father  fervent  pray'd  : 

"  Father,  all  things  are  possible  with  Thee. 
From  me,  this  chalice,  if  't  may  be,  let  pass ; 
If  not,  amen,  thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done." 

The  Son's  petition  pierced  the  Father's  heart, 
And  his  averted  face  turn'd  tow'rds  the  spot, 
Where  his  Beloved  groan'd  beneath  our  load. 
Yearning  the  dol'rous  weight  of  woe  to  ease, 
Paternal  tenderness  for  mercy  pleads ; 
But  justice  strict,  the  penalty  demands, 
Nor  yields  a  tittle,  from  th'  offended  law ; 
Or  He,  or  man,  the  awful  price  must  pay, 
For  that  transgression,  which  entail'd  us  woe ; 
Yet,  not  forbids  some  mark  of  mercy's  bent, 
Some  messenger  of  comfort  from  above, 
To  speak  of  love  supreme,  and  strengthen  him. 

"Go,  Michael;"  so  the  Father  said;  "go,  clad 
In  thy  puissance,  arm'd  with  pow'r  and  might, 
Th'  infernal  Adversary's  force  to  quell. 
Drive  headlong  from  the  field  our  mortal  foe, 
Who  seeks  anew,  though  vain,  by  man's  last  Hope 
Destroy'd,  or  to  his  side  withdrawn,  his  own 
To  raise  o'er  ours,  and  dev'lish  empire  build ; 
And  deems,  from  this  dark  hour's  permissive  grief, 
That  heav'n  deserts  its  charge,  to  death  consign'd; 
Nor  sees  the  dawning  day  of  triumph  gleam 
On  man's  redemption,  man  through  grace  restored, 
With  title  clear,  for  so  free  grace  awards, 
To  life  and  joy  immortal  in  the  skies. 
Go,  messenger  of  strength,  sustain  my  Son, 
Support  his  spirits  drooping,  raise  his  head, 


REDEMPTION.  273 

Pour  consolation  in  his  sorrowing  heart, 

Assuage  his  bleeding  brow,  and  strengthen  him. 

Not  that  he  needs  thine  aid  as  not  divine, 

In  might  co-equal,  co-etern,  with  me; 

But  yet,  as  Man,  susceptible  of  woe, 

Of  sin's  defect,  which  all  men  must  enthrall, 

Toil,  anguish,  weakness,  grief,  and  pangs  of  death ; 

By  him  more  keenly  felt,  who  bears  them  all 

Assumed,  without  the  guiltiness  of  sin, 

A  free  will  off 'ring  made  to  me  for  them. 

Tell  him,  his  pray'r  is  granted,  if  he  wills 

The  proffer'd  ransom  to  withhold,  imposed 

Not  by  decree  of  mine,  though  glad  accept, 

As  all-sufficient,  offer'd  once  for  all. 

At  his  own  option  ta'en  then,  or  dispensed, 

He  may  as  free  perfect  or  pretermit, 

Leaving  the  penalty  there,  where  of  right 

The  guilt  and  punishment  alone  belong. 

So  far  thy  mission ;  leave  the  rest  to  whom 

It  doth  belong,  and  ere  the  dawn,  as  earth 

Divides  the  course  of  time,  hither  return.' 

Swifter  than  thought,  or  flash'd  from  living  mind, 
Or  hastive  sent  along  those  subtil  wires, 
Which,  wove  in  meshes,  like  the  mooned  net, 
Or  spider's  cunning  web,  enwheel  the  earth, 
The  warlike  angel  cut  the  star  paved  way, 
And  bright,  dilated,  huge  as  Atlas,  stood, 
With  brandish'd  sword,  two  edged,  fronting  his  foe. 
The  Dragon  saw,  nor  needed  more ;  but,  bash'd, 
Or  impotent  with  rage,  so  swift  subdued, 
Or  by  superior  Pow'r  secure  withheld, 
Cringed  beneath  the  flaming  seraph's  eye, 

23* 


274  KEDEMPTION. 

And  fled  incontinent  th'  impending  doom. 
When  he  had  fled,  and  all  his  goblin  train, 
The  martial  hierarch,  his  look  severe 
Divests,  and  mildly  radiant,  stands  beside 
The  bleeding,  fainting,  agonizing  Man  ; 
His  waning  strength  with  balm  celestial  roused, 
Composed  his  visage,  wiped  his  bloodstain'd  brow, 
And  these  words  breath'd  consoling  in  his  ear : 

"  Rise  Son  of  God  and  man,  thy  pray'r  is  heard. 
Swift  through  the  pearly  gates  it  sped,  pierced 
The  Father's  ear,  soft  touch' d  his  sovereign  heart, 
And  me  to  thee,  on  high  commission  brings; 
Though  not  as  needing  words,  to  ease  thy  care, 
In  whom  innate,  all  ease  and  comfort  dwell, 
And  from  whom,  as  a  fountain,  living  streams 
Of  grace  forever  flow,  on  all  thy  works. 
But  so  it  pleased  Omnipotence,  his  ways 
To  manifest  to  those,  the  sons  of  light, 
Now  with  amaze,  on  this  stupendous  scheme 
For  man's  redemption,  gazing — man,  else  lost, 
But  through  th'  assumption  of  his  debt  by  Thee. 
By  Thee  assumed,  without  the  guilt  of  sin, 
Freely  assumed,  not  by  decree  imposed ; 
As  free  then  to  perfect  or  pretermit, 
(For  so  the  message  runs,  enjoin'd  on  me,) 
Leaving  the  penalty  there,  where  of  right 
The  guilt  and  punishment  alone  belong." 

So  spake  the  princely  hierarch,  submiss, 
With  lowly  rev'rence  bow'd,  and  veiled  face. 
T'  whom  thus  the  sovereign  Master  mild  return'd : 

"  'Tis  well  thou  deemest,  Michael,  Prince  of  hosts; 
Solace  of  language  doth  divine  not  need, 


REDEMPTION.  275 

In  whom  abide,  by  nature,  peace  and  joy; 

In  me  abide,  essential,  increate, 

Who  effluent  dispense  without  decrease. 

The  greater  wonder  then,  thou  deem'st  my  pray'r, 

To  be  released  this  cumulative  grief. 

Let  wonder  cease,  in  view  of  perfect  Man ; 

Perfect  in  suff'ring,  anguish,  torture,  grief, 

As  Deity  in  joy.     This  then  exempt; 

That,  all  the  fullness  bears  of  wrath  for  sin, 

Pain,  sorrow,  death,  justly  sin's  due,  entail'd 

On  me,  who,  as  thou  say'st,  freely  assumed 

The  sum  entire  of  punishmant  for  guilt. 

Wonder  not  then,  that  Man,  (not  perfect  else,) 

Should  some  sign  show  of  this  stupendous  weight, 

This  recompense  unmeasured,  infinite 

Of  woe,  nor  free  will  off'ring  least  impair, 

Off'ring  then  made,  before  the  world  began; 

Nor  yet  the  agony  unseen  by  me, 

But  willingly  the  one  with  th'  other  join'd ; 

Sufficient,  did  my  people  but  refrain 

With  vi'lent  hands  to  slay,  to  perfect  make 

The  off'ring  I  intend,  not  wanting  blood, 

Without  which,  sacrifice  for  sin  is  not ; 

Nor  wanting  force  to  slay,  that  death  to  cause, 

Which  I,  the  willing  Victim,  long  portend. 

Here  then,  celestial  spirit,  ends  thy  task. 

Leave  me  to  perfect  mine,  nor  aught  omit. 

The  promised  sacrifice  will  soon  be  made, 

Mankind  redeem' d  be,  and  all  those  be  saved, 

Who  my  redeeming  shall  with  faith  receive. 

The  wine  press  I  will  tread  alone,  though  red 

My  garments,  and  with  dripping  gore  distain'd. 


276  REDEMPTION. 

Whither  thou  cam'st,  return ;  the  issue  wait, 
Till  I  for  vict'ry  strive  o'er  sin  and  death." 

Nor  longer  now  th'  ethereal  envoy  staid, 
But  heavenward  griefful,  took  his  upward  way. 
Then  turn'd  the  Sorrowful  towards  the  three, 
Who,  worn  with  sadness,  slept  the  hour  of  pray'rj 
And  bending  o'er  them,  gently  thus  he  breath'd : 

"  Sleep  on  and  take  your  rest;  the  hour  'sdat  hand, 
In  which  the  Son  of  Man  shall  be  betray'd." 
And  when  at  length  the  doleful  hour  arrived ; 
"  Arise,"  he  said,  "  let  us  go  hence ;  for  lo, 
He,  who  betrayeth  me,  is  now  at  hand." 

E'en  whilst  he  spake,  the  traitor  thief  advanced, 
And  gave  the  treach'rous  sign  to  those  he  led — 
"Whom  I  shall  kiss,  hold  fast;  the  same  is  he." 
And  forthwith  coming  to  the  Lord,  he  said — 
"Rabboni  hail!"  and  Him  with  baseness  kiss'd. 

The  stars  their  faces  veil'd,  sad  Nature  groan'd, 
Night's  foul  wing'd  birds  took  sinister  their  flight; 
Earth,  heaving,  toss'd  her  troubled  waves  on  high ; 
Hell  leap'd  with  joy,  and  her  infernal  pow'rs, 
In  triumph,  hail'd  the  end  of  all  their  toils. 

"  Whom  seek  ye  ?"  sadly  griev'd  the  Master  ask'd. 

"  Jesus  of  Nazareth ;"  the  base  replied. 

When  thus  the  Victim  meekly — "  I  am  He. 
But  why  come  out  as  't  were  against  a  thief, 
Me,  arm'd  with  swords  and  staves,  to  apprehend, 
Who  daily  with  you  in  the  temple  sat 
Teaching,  and  none  would  raise  his  hand  to  seize? 
If  me  ye  seek,  then  let  these  go  their  way." 

Awed  by  his  voice,  deport,  majestic  mien, 
And  ardor  kindling  on  his  sacred  brow, 


REDEMPTION.  277 

The  trembling  band  fell  backward  to  the  ground. 

So  fell  the  Bethsames,  whose  look  forbidd'n, 

In  Josue's  field  profaned  the  sacred  ark; 

So,  at  the  Breach  of  Chidon,  Oza  fell, 

Who  sacrilegious  raised  his  hand  to  stay 

The  consecrated  wood,  nor  fear'd  the  Lord. 

Those,  instant  by  their  rashness  seal'd  their  fate; 

These  Mercy  spares,  not  hastive  to  destroy, 

That  reckless  seek  the  true  Ark  to  profane. 

But,  heart  restored,  they  seize  him,  bind,  hold  fast, 

And  drag  impetuous  to  the  Bethdin's  door, 

Where  sat  the  wicked,  Innocence  to  judge. 

Forlorn,  deserted,  as  he  had  declared, 

By  one,  the  chief,  denied,  with  foes  beset, 

The  persecuted  Lamb,  fore  Caiphas  stood; 

Who  witnesses  suborn 'd,  false  to  convict 

Of  blasphemy,  and  so  adjudged  to  death; 

Whom  then,  with  clamors,  he  to  Pilate  sends. 

'Twas  at  the  hour,  when  night's  funereal  pall, 
Darkest  obscures  the  earth,  the  Traitor  came, 
Wrack'd  with  remorseful  pangs,  by  conscience  stung, 
And  threw  the  price  of  blood  at  Caiphas'  feet, 
Then  fled  the  presence;  but,  found  no  relief, 
For  his  perturbed,  and  fiend  harassed  thoughts. 
His  guilt  alarm'd  him,  horror  chill'd  his  blood, 
And  torturing  fears  his  palsied  members  shook, 
As  from  the  haunts  of  men,  the  Felon  sped, 
In  solitude  to  seek  rest  for  his  soul; 
But  rest  found  none,  whom  furies  still  pursued, 
And  lash'd  with  scorpion  stings  where  e'er  he  fled. 
'Twas  in  the  vale  of  Hinnom,  where,  fit  place, 
By  anguish  driv'n,  oppress'd  with  blank  despair, 


278  REDEMPTION. 

His  tortuous  steps,  the  faithless  miscreant  turn'd, 
And  thus  t'  his  thoughts  in  fruitless  sighs  gave  vent: 

"  Ah  !  me,  betray'd  him;  whither  shall  I  flee? 
Where  hide  my  guilty  head  ?  how  'scape  his  ire  ? 
Betray'd,  who  me  had  bless'd!    Consign'd  to  death, 
Who  blameless  lived,  whose  every  act  was  love ! 
Thou  burning  brand  of  infamy  and  shame ! 
Betray'd  him  with  a  kiss !    Oh  !  infamy, 
Hast  thou  a  deeper  depth  ?    Open  your  jaws, 
Infernal  hell,  I  come — betray'd  with  kiss ! 
Hiss  it,  ye  fiery  demons,  Him  betray'd  ! 
Emblazon  it,  betray'd  Him  with  a  kiss ! 
Yet  live,  unblasted  by  his  breath  !  my  name 
Henceforth,  the  name  for  traitor  and  false  friend. 
I,  once  so  near  him  placed,  next  to  his  side, 
Made  partner  in  his  kingdom,  crown'd  with  gifts, 
Sold  him  for  thirty  groat !  Scourge  me,  ye  fiends ; 
'Tis  my  desert;  seize  this  damn'd  soul,  abort; 
Torture,  and  in  your  seething  caldrons  roll, 
Where  burn  your  sulph'rous  flames  with  fiercest  heat ; 
For  I  some  ease  must  find  e'en  there,  where  most 
Hell's  wrath  is  spent — fit  place  for  me,  who  him 
Could  thus  betray,  him  ill  for  good  requite. 
'  High  shall  he  be  exalt,  who  these  subserves' — 
Ay !  high  as  Aman,  such  my  merit  is, 
With  badge  of  Cain  emblazon'd  on  my  brow. 
'  His  fame  all  peoples  learn,  all  times  extend, 
For  none  shall  envy,  none  say — '  Would  'twere  I.' 
What  serpent,  demon,  hiss'd  that  in  mine  ear  ? 
Though  false  by  nature,  he  was  true  in  this. 
I,  serpent,  demon,  I,  'twas  I  alone, 
Whose  freewill  did  the  hellish  plot  devise, 


KEDEMPTION.  279 

Devise  and  execute,  reckless  of  shame, 

Or  damning  ruin  on  my  head  rain'd  down. 

How  shall  I  hide  me  from  his  wrathful  face? 

Or  whither  fly  t'  escape  his  kindling  eye? 

Earth  hath  no  glen  so  wild,  no  waste  so  drear, 

Nor  ocean's  depths  a  deep  so  dark,  that  hid 

Within  it,  I  his  vengeful  arm  may  shun. 

Could  I  this  state  of  being  'scape — what  then  ? 

Would  that  the  hell  which  in  me  burns  forefend  ? 

Or  still  the  worm  which  at  my  vitals  knaws  ? 

Would  't  ease  my  soul,  with  serrate  fangs  infix' d 

Of  dire  remorse,  fell  sequence  of  the  deed  ? 

Vain,  empty  hope  !  that  naught  the  wretched  cheers ; 

Unless  with  death,  all  being  were  dissolved. 

Happy  extreme  !  but  conscience  tells  me  nay ; 

Who  not  himself  hath  made,  cannot  destroy; 

And  who  hath  made,  doth  not  this  boon  confer. 

Life,  here  or  elsewhere  then,  is  one  to  me ; 

A  life  of  torturing,  unconsuming  fire, 

Of  keen  remorse,  of  woful,  wild  despair. 

Life  ?  death  !  a  living  death,  and  I  foraye, 

Must  in  my  guilty  consciousness  abide, 

Think  what  I  might  have  been,  contrast  what  am. 

Come,  friendly  tree,  thou  sole  my  solace  art, 

And  Aman's  fate,  as  promised,  now  is  mine ; 

No  room  for  penance  can  to  me  remain, 

And  worse  than  in  me  burns  no  hell  can  be." 

Whilst  thus  perdition's  son  completes  his  guilt, 
And  thrusts  his  soul  before  the  Judge  unbid, 
The  sacred  Victim,  dragg'd  to  Pilate's  bar, 
In  silence  hears  his  mad  accusers  plead, 
And  him  consign  to  malefactor's  doom ; 


280  REDEMPTION. 

Hears  the  base  rabble,  who  but  jester  sun, 
Loudest  his  praises  with  hosannas  sang, 
Now,  hoarse  with  murmurs,  clamor — crucify. 

Meanwhile  Areli  swift  descends  the  skies, 
Stands  at  the  couch  of  Claudia,  Pilate's  wife, 
Half  wakes  her  slumbers,  and  her  roving  thoughts 
Disturbs  with  dreams,  so  his  commission  ran  ; 
Not  new  endow'd,  for  such  his  province  ev'r, 
Nightly  the  slumb'ring  fancy  to  dispose, 
Lend  vagrant  thought  substantial  wings  to  soar, 
Awarn  of  ill,  advise,  and  safely  lead, 
Whom  highest  Power  vouchsafes  to  show  his  will. 
By  his  monition  'twas,  that  Joas'  son 
Slew  Amalec,  with  all  the  Madian  hosts, 
Though  thick  as  locust  swarming  Harad's  vale } 
So  he  th'  Assyrian  king  by  night  disturbed, 
And  then  the  captive  prophet  wise  endow'd, 
T'  unveil  the  mystery  of  the  monarch's  dream. 
The  same  to  Claudia  now  was  timely  sent, 
To  warn  from  shedding  of  the  Just  One's  blood. 
Much  did  she  marvel  at  the  strange  phantasm, 
And  suffer'd  much,  till  sleep  forsook  her  eyes, 
Nor  longer  doubted  what  the  vision  meant, 
And  rising  sought  her  lord  with  troubled  mind; 
T'  whom  found,  with  much  solicitude  she  said : 

"Deep  in  the  silent  watches  of  the  night, 
When  sleep  my  senses  had  securely  seal'd, 
A  frightful  spirit  pass'd  before  my  face, 
Larger  than  life,  and  clad  in  lambent  flame. 
Thinner  than  air,  yet  glowing  heav'nly  bright, 
It  stood  against  me,  terrible  to  view, 
Though  I  its  form  discern'd  not,  fill'd  with  dread ; 


REDEMPTION. 


281 


Great  fear  oppress'd  me,  chill' d  my  shrinking  form, 
My  hair  made  horrent,  and  my  bones  did  shake. 
Whilst  thus  I  lay,  helpless  with  terror,  bound, 
Still  wond'ring  what  the  vision  might  portend, 
And  suff'ring  much,  the  spectral  horror  said — 
'  Beware,  have  naught  to  do  with  that  just  Man. " 

The  fearful  message,  Pilate's  mind  disturbed, 
Already  by  demotic  clamor  vex'd, 
And  turning  tow'rds  the  mild,  deific  Man, 
Him,  half  deriding,  half  in  doubt,  besought : 

"Art  thou,  as  these  now  charge,  King  of  the  Jews?" 

To  whom  the  Seed  of  David :  "  Thou  hast  said." 
Then  held  his  peace,  nor  to  th'  accusing  voice 
Of  priests  or  ancients,  more  vouchsafed  reply. 

To  whom  the  gov'nor  thus :  "  Dost  thou  not  hear 
What  testimonies  they  against  thee  bring  ?" 

But  he,  as  sheep  when  to  the  slaughter  led, 
Or  as  a  lamb,  before  his  shearers  dumb, 
Oped  not  his  mouth,  but  silent  them  withstood ; 
Not  haughty,  sullen,  nor  with  look  austere, 
As  criminal  with  stern,  defiant  brow; 
But  bland,  sedate,  with  dignity  of  mien, 
Conscious  of  innocence,  and  void  of  guile. 
His  aspect  moved  the  pity  of  his  judge, 
Who  knew  the  motives  which  th'  accusers  urged, 
But  fear'd  to  shield  him  from  their  stubborn  wrath ; 
And  yet,  resolved  by  stratagem  to  try, 
Some  plausible  pretext  to  let  him  go. 
His  public  fame  he  knew  without  reproach, 
And  large  beneficence,  that  round  him  drew 
The  multitudes,  diseased,  distress'd  and  poor, 
Whom  he  had  heal'd,  fed,  comforted  and  bless'd. 

24 


282  REDEMPTION. 

Then  Claudia's  dream  perplex'd  his  anxious  mind, 
And  fill'd  his  vacillating  soul  with  dread — 
'Beware,  have  naught  to  do  with  that  just  Man.' 
The  inward  conflict  limn'd  the  weak  man's  face, 
Gleam'd  in  his  eye,  and  every  feature  traced. 
This  more  inclined  him  now,  then  sway'd  him  that; 
Mercy  here  urged  him,  fear  there  held  him  back. 
As  some  tall  vessel,  long  the  ocean's  pride, 
With  tap'ring  masts,  firm  cordage,  snowy  sails, 
And  streamers  gaily  flaunting  in  the  breeze, 
But  ballast  wanting,  or  her  rudder  lost, 
Unsteady  ploughs  the  sea,  toss'd  by  each  wave, 
Or  leeward  dips,  obnoxious  to  the  blast, 
Groans  in  her  timbers,  in  her  cordage  creaks, 
Parts  her  fair  shrouds,  and  founders  in  the  deep; 
Or,  as  some  feather'd  monarch  of  the  sky, 
With  crippled  wing,  unequal  beats  the  air, 
Now  rises  sideling,  now  foregoes  his  flight, 
Moves  zigzag  on,  stops,  flounders  in  the  mire, 
And  falls  a  prey  to  him,  who  fast  pursues. 
So  Pilate,  hapless  toss'd  on  faction's  waves, 
Vain  effort  makes  and  flounders  in  his  fall. 
For,  whom  he  innocent  proclaim'd,  he  scourged, 
Then  gave  to  death,  the  tumult  to  appease ; 
And  thus  his  own  condemning  surely  seals : 

"No  evil  have  I  found  in  this  just  Man; 
No  cause  whereof  ye  him  do  now  accuse ; 
Naught  worthy  death,  and  innocent  of  crime. 
Of  this,  and  of  his  blood,  in  innocence 
I  wash  my  guiltless  hands;  look  you  to  it." 

THE  END  OF  THE  NINTH  BOOK. 


THE 


TENTH    BOOK 


REDEMPTION. 


ARGUMENT. 


Jesus,  having  been  condemned  to  death,  is  crowned  with  thorns, 
mocked,  scourged,  and  led  forth,  bearing  his  cross,  to  be  crucified. 
The  virgin  Mother  follows  amidst  the  throngs  which  attend  him ; 
pierced  with  poignant  grief,  she  prays  the  Father  to  avert  the  death  of 
her  divine  Son.  She  is  surrounded  by  holy  women  and  the  beloved 
disciple,  who  share  her  grief,  and  weep  the  fate  of  their  persecuted 
Lord.  He  regards  them  with  a  look  of  compassion,  but  bids  them 
weep  for  themselves  and  their  children.  He  is  nailed  to  the  cross  and 
mocked  with  railing  accusations.  Satan,  seeing  his  death  about  to  be 
consummated,  hastens  exultingly  to  hell,  and  relates  to  the  demons  his 
renewed  success.  Whilst  he  is  yet  speaking,  the  Son  of  God,  having 
expired  on  the  cross,  descends  in  their  midst,  and  gloriously  triumphs 
over  them.  Having  conquered  the  powers  of  darkness,  he  repairs  to 
Limbus  Patrum,  releases  the  spirits  there  detained,  and  thence  returns, 
with  them  in  his  train,  to  earth. 


BOOK  X. 

Oh  !  for  the  plaintive  voice  of  that  blest  Seer, 
Who  from  the  height  of  Sion's  trembling  towers, 
In  lamentations  sang  of  Sion's  fall ; 
Her  deep  distress  in  sorrowing  strains  rehearsed, 
And  through  the  live  long  night  entoned  her  woes, 
Till  sobbings  oft  his  mournful  measure  choked, 
And  tears  as  rivers,  from  his  eyes  roll'd  down ; 
More  sad  than  Philomela,  who  the  night 
In  loud  lamenting  wakes,  or  Procne  lorn, 
What  time  she  most  her  Philomela  weeps ; 
Or  than  that  patriarch,  who  long  bemoan' d 
The  child  of  his  old  age  and  best  beloved, 
Which  more  resemblance  bears  to  what  I  deem ; 
Or  him,  who  at  Mahana'im  sore  bewail'd 
His  disobedient  son,  that  from  the  oak 
Hung  quiv'ring  in  the  air,  till  Joab's  spear, 
Triple  his  heart  transfix'd,  and  drank  his  blood ; 
Just  retribution  that  rebellious  won, 
Who  rnock'd,  dishonor'd,  and  defamed  his  sire. 
Sweeter  to  me  than  theirs  thy  mournful  voice, 
Who  sang  their  own,  but  thou  thy  people's  griefs, 
Bewailing  Israel's  sin,  and  Sion's  King, 

2-1* 


286  REDEMPTION. 

And  of  his  wormwood  drank  mingled  with  gall. 

Descend  blest  prophet,  and  inspire  my  song, 

By  night  my  wakeful  hours  attend,  attune 

My  heart,  unskill'd  the  doleful  lay  to  sing; 

And  you,  sad  Levites,  who  with  bitter  grief, 

By  Gingarnella's  streams,  on  willows  hung 

Your  harps,  if  ever  you  the  woes  deplored 

Of  Sion's  sons,  deplore  them  now  with  me. 

No  foe  derisive  asks  your  doleful  strains, 

No  victor  proudly  taunts  your  silent  tears ; 

But  One,  who  for  you  weeps,  and  Jordan's  flood 

More  copious  swells,  than  e'er  th'  Euphrates  ye, 

Or  Baby'lon's  num'rous  streams,  enlaved  with  tears. 

Dolorous  is  the  way  I  sing,  and  dripp'd 

With  blood  of  Him,  who  red  from  Bozra  comes, 

O'erfraught  with  sorrow's  cumulative  load ; 

Way,  hard  for  me  to  tread,  o'ercome  with  fear, 

That  I,  unworthy  deetn'd,  obscure  the  theme, 

Who  long  reluctant  linger'd,  lest  my  voice 

Should  midway  fail  me,  sad,  and  slow  of  speech, 

Or  wing  grow  weary  in  its  onward  flight, 

Unequal  to  the  task,  though  clear  defined ; 

More  difficult  from  so  familiar  grown, 

What  to  select,  or  how  the  verse  indite, 

Lest  too  familiar  clog  so  sweet  a  song, 

And  human  art  but  damp  its  sacred  course, 

Profuse  display'd  by  heav'n-inspired  pens. 

Or,  fearful  lest,  irrev'rent,  I  transgress 

The  bounds,  prescribed  to  muse-inspired  verse, 

And  too  presumptuous  haste  to  look,  where 

Angels  veil'd  refrain,  and  seraphs  softly  tread ; 

And,  press'd  by  sense  of  guilt,  which  at  the  end, 


REDEMPTION.  287 

Nail'd  Him,  who  labors,  to  the  accursed  tree, 
Should  with  unhallow'd  finger  trace  the  path, 
That  scorners  sole  may  scout  the  sacred  spot, 
When  rather  penitential  woe  with  tears, 
The  crucial  way  should  mark,  which  Jesus  trod. 
Now  o'er  the  wastes  of  Kadesh  had  the  sun, 
With  pensile  beams,  reluctant,  dimly  shown, 
Averse  to  smile,  or  run  his  wonted  round 
Whilst  his  Creator  groan' d  beneath  the  cross. 
The  mists  of  Hebron  veil'd  his  dismal  face, 
And  on  the  hills  of  Solyma  some  drops 
Let  fall,  .sad  witnesses  of  Nature's  grief, 
That  sympathetic  join'd  her  wail  of  woe, 
As  scourged  and  buffeted,  the  Son  of  God, 
His  footsteps  turn'd  tow'rds  Calvary's  clouded  height. 
The  flow'rs  and  palm  leaves,  which  profuse  had  graced 
The  Victor's  triumph,  still  bestrow  the  way, 
Which  he  so  late  in  kingly  state  had  pass'd, 
But  of  the  multitudes,  whose  loud  acclaim 
Had  with  hosannas  hail'd  Him  bless'd  who  comes, 
Not  one  is  found  to  greet  their  suff'ring  Lord, 
Or  save  him  from  the  malefactor's  doom ; 
And  there  the  Victim  stands,  naked  and  lone, 
Bound  to  the  pillar,  jeer'd,  derided,  scoff'd; 
Whilst  those,  who  late  so  loud  his  praises  sang, 
Now  join  the  miscreant  throng  with  mocking  tongues; 
Who  sang  hosannas — crucify  him  cry, 
Who  wove  him  garlands,  now  with  whips  annoy. 
Sharp  shriek  the  dripping  thongs,  as  through  the  air, 
Like  patt'ring  hail  their  knotted  missiles  fall, 
Till  gash'd,  and  bleeding,  bruised,  and  sadly  torn, 
A  gory  halo  cloaks  the  Saviour's  form. 


288  REDEMPTION. 

Yet  naught  the  callous  multitude  appeased, 

Soften'd  their  hearts,  nor  suaged  their  barbarous  rage ; 

Louder  their  clamor  sounds — "  Away  with  him  ! 

Release  Barabbas — Jesus  crucify ; 

We  have  no  king  but  Caesar — crucify ; 

His  blood  be  on  our  own  and  children's  heads." 

Around  his  shoulders  now  the  inurd'rous  band, 

The  scarlet  robe  in  scornful  rnock'ry  throw, 

Plat  him  a  crown  of  thorns,  and  pierce  his  brow, 

For  sceptre  yield  a  reed,  then  bow  the  knee, 

And  him  deriding,  hail  King  of  the  Jews. 

At  length  the  Woeful  wends  his  weary  wayt 

Whither  his  persecutors  fierce  conduct, 

Whilst  hoarse,  rough  murmurs  rend  the  brumal  air, 

And  urge  the  madden'd  furies  to  their  task. 

Pond'rous  the  wood,  his  mangled  shoulders  bear; 

Grievous  his  toil,  whilst  weak  from  dripping  gore, 

His  stagg'ring  footsteps  lead  him  trembling  on, 

Till  fainting  soon  his  lanquid  limbs  assails, 

And  he,  the  Pitiful,  unpitied  falls ; 

Falls  in  the  way  made  slippery  with  his  blood, 

But  still  no  respite  finds  from  cruel  blows. 

Behold  the  Man  !  comeliest  of  Adam's  sons, 

The  tender  plant,  sprung  from  a  thirsty  ground, 

Wounded  and  bruised  for  sins,  sins  not  his  own  j 

Despised  and  abject,  level'd  in  the  dust, 

His  comeliness  defaced,  his  beauty  gone. 

This,  vi'lent  hands  lays  on  his  sightless  form, 

That,  binds  with  cords,  another  him  blasphemes, 

These  vie  with  taunts,  and  those  with  ceaseless  blows, 

Though  innocent  declared,  as  guilty  scourged. 

See  him — spit  on,  disrobed,  exposed  to  shame, 


REDEMPTION.  289 

Mock'd,  struck  with  reeds,  and  dragg'd  with  force  along, 

With  vile  opprobrium  cursed,  condemn' d  and  scorn'd. 

The  Merciful,  by  merciless  contsmn'd, 

Guiltless,  by  guilty  causelessly  defamed, 

The  Judge  of  all,  submissive  to  be  judged, 

And  Just  for  unjust,  render'd  up  to  death ; 

Who  heal'd  the  wounded  and  compassion  taught, 

No  balm  receives,  no  mercy  from  the  crowd ; 

Who  with  consoling  voice  the  mourner  cheer' d, 

No  voice  consoling,  finds  in  utmost  need. 

Hard  by  the  port  through  which  the  Victim  pass'd, 
Exanimate,  the  Virgin  Mother  stands ; 
How  changed  from  second  Eve,  as  wont  before 
The  suff'rings  of  her  stricken  One  began. 
Her  spotless  robes  neglected,  trail  the  ground, 
Ensanguined  with  his  blood,  distain'd  with  mire ; 
Wildly  dishevel'd  hang  her  amber  locks, 
Or  toss'd  irrev'rent  by  the  lepid  winds. 
Grief  on  her  face  its  pallid  impress  sets, 
And  furrows  her  wan  features  deep  with  care ; 
Clasp'd  to  her  breast,  with  pain's  convulsive  grasp, 
Her  hands  unconscious  tear  her  spotless  flesh, 
Whilst  crystal  torrents  from  her  eyes  run  down, 
Commingling  with  the  crimson  tide  that  flows ; 
The  Lambs  afflictions  in  her  breast  she  bears, 
And  poignant  feels  each  wound  which  pierced  his  form. 
Anguish  whilst  thus  her  heaving  bosom  swells, 
Her  trembling  lips  in  sighs  her  grief  express  : 

"  Master  of  life,  and  sov'reign  Lord  of  all, 
Behold  the  sorrows  of  thine  only  Son. 
Ah  !  can  it  be  that  he,  by  thee  so  loved, 
May  from  that  love  no  succor  now  derive. 


!    290  REDEMPTION. 

Behold  him  bruised,  rack'd,  torn,  and  sore  beset; 

Who  knows  no  sin  himself,  by  sinners  shent. 

Oh !  can  it  be,  thy  son,  and  mine,  must  die  ? 

Father  forbid  it,  and  some  plan  devise, 

Some  other  plan,  by  which  the  race  redeem' d, 

May  still  thy  justice  expiate,  and  live. 

But  if  it  be,  alas !  by  thee  decreed, 

That  by  his  death  alone  the  sinner  live, 

Oh  !  send  the  shaft  thyself,  each  moment  fly 

Ten  thousand  from  the  bosom  of  thy  love, 

To  take  thy  children  from  the  ills  of  earth, 

And  speed  their  entrance  to  the  joys  above. 

Save  these  the  guilt,  which  on  their  souls  must  fall, 

Save  him  the  pangs,  that  rend  his  sacred  heart, 

And  me  the  anguish,  which  my  life  destroys." 

Beside  the  Mother,  stood  beloved  John, 
Who  sole  of  all  the  Twelve  forbore  to  fly, 
When  wicked  hands  her  matchless  Son  betray'd. 
Hard  by,  a  band  of  holy  women  move, 
Too  weak,  to  fend  the  Stricken  from  his  foes, 
Too  strong  in  love,  to  fail  him  in  his  need ; 
She  of  Magdala,  fearless  midst  the  crowd, 
Salome,  Mary,  both  the  Virgin's  kin, 
With  many,  daughters  of  fair  Solyma, 
Who  all  some  relics  bore  of  Jesus  love ; 
Some  dead  to  life  restored,  some  sick  made  well, 
Or  fed,  or  cloth'd,  or  of  their  sins  forgiv'n. 
The  Lamb  they  follow'd,  with  him  sympathized, 
And  aided  by  their  constancy  and  love ; 
Yet,  every  eye  a  fountain,  drench'd  with  tears, 
And  every  feeling  consonant  with  hers, 
Who  nearest  to  him  stood,  and  call'd  him  Son. 


REDEMPTION.  291 

Forgetful  of  his  own  in  other's  woes, 

The  Friend  of  sinners  felt  his  pity  move ; 

For  these  he  yearns,  and  longs  their  grief  to  suage, 

And  turn  from  him  their  weeping  on  themselves. 

With  look  of  love,  ineffable  and  mild, 

His  face  divine  he  meekly  tow'rds  them  turns, 

And  words  of  admonition  thus  address'd  : 

"  0  daughters  of  Jerusalem,  forebear ; 
Weep  not  for  me,  nor  more  my  griefs  deplore. 
The  burden  of  the  cross  I  free  assume, 
With  the  whole  penalty  which  it  entails. 
Nor  deem  the  sign,  opprobrious  though  it  be, 
Utter  devoid  of  well  borne  suff'rings  meed; 
For  though  it  seems  so  contumelious  now, 
Erelong  your  glory'  and  crown  it  shall  become. 
Weep  for  yourselves,  your  little  ones  deplore ; 
For  lo,  the  day  retributive  is  near, 
The  day  of  famine,  pestilence  and  war, 
When  every  barren  blessed  shall  be  deem'd ; 
When  every  womb  that  bears  not  shall  rejoice, 
And  paps,  which  give  not  suck,  be  fill'd  with  joy; 
When  those,  who  triumph  now,  shall  loud  bewail, 
On  mountains  call,  to  hide  them  from  my  face, 
And  vainly  wish  that  they  had  ne'er  been  born; 
For,  if  such  fire  doth  in  the  green  wood  burn, 
How  fierce  the  flame  which  shall  consume  the  dry ! 
0  daughters  of  Jerusalem,  forbear; 
Weep  not  for  me,  nor  aught  my  griefs  deplore;" 

His  feet  the  base  of  Golgotha  commence — 
What  aileth  thee,  0  rock  ?  why  tremblest  thou  ? 
Why  cloud  thy  sh;iggy  brow  with  low'ring  gloom, 
And  h-ave  thy  grizzly  sides  as  though  in  pain  ? 


292  REDEMPTION. 

Dost  know  thy  Maker,  and  lest  stern  than  man, 

Would'st  from  the  dread  catastrophe  recoil  ? 

Veil,  veil  thy  face  in  blackest  hues  of  night, 

For  earth,  so  deeply  dyed  in  mortal  sin, 

Some  spot  must  render  to  receive  his  blood ; 

And  what  spot  more  such  sacred  washing  needs, 

Than  that  whereon  such  scele'rous  rabble  tread  ? 

Along  the  tortuous  way  towards  the  height, 

Where  boist'rous  multitudes  already  wait, 

To  consummate  the  sacrifice  begun, 

Breathless  and  faint  th'  exhausted  Victim  toils. 

"A  darksome  horror  seized  his  anguish'd  mind, 

Bow'd  him  to  earth,  and  shook  his  tott'ring  frame ; 

Sin's  spectral  shadow  stalks  before  his  view, 

In  horrid  shapes,  with  lethal  terrors  crown'd ; 

More  terrible  than  mythagogue  e'er  feign'd, 

Stheno,  Buryale,  Medusa  dire, 

With  dragons'  scaly  hide,  and  snaky  hair. 

Sin  mortal,  venial,  sin  original, 

With  all  their  nameless  train,  and  scorpion  shapes, 

Sin's  hell  begotten  brood,  roaming  the  earth, 

Insatiate  of  prey,  though  from  the  first, 

Glutted  with  feast  perpetual  of  blood; 

Wave  after  wave,  voluminous  it  rolls, 

As  mountains  huge,  and  o'erwhelms  his  soul, 

Obscures  the  heav'ns,  averted  from  his  sight, 

Or,  only  tow'rds  him  turn'd  with  threat'ning  gloom ; 

More  pain'd  its  monst'rous  weight  of  woe  to  feel, 

Than  all  the  pangs  his  murd'rous  foes  inflict ; 

For,  no  more  stripes  alone,  but  sins  he  bears, 

In  his  own  body  on  th'  accursed  tree. 

Panting  for  breath  beneath  th'  oppressive  load, 


REDEMPTION.  293 

On  Golgotha  the  God-man  prostrate  lies, 

Resistless,  as  extended  on  the  cross, 

His  tort'rers  nail  him  to  the  murd'rous  wood. 

Harsh  sounds  the  clank  of  hammers  on  the  ear, 

As  through  his  sacred  flesh  the  iron  grates, 

And  in  his  soul  death's  agonies  renews. 

Aloft  the  streaming  wood  at  length  is  raised, 

And  all  the  woeful  sight  displays  to  view. 

Behold  the  Man  !    Afflicted  Mother,  see; 

Behold,  who  lay  an  infant  on  thy  knee ;  his  form 

So  beautiful,  so  tender  then,  so  fair; 

So  mangled,  bruised,  disfigured  now. 

Daughters  of  Solyma,  behold  the  Man  ! 

He  weeps,  groans,  suffers  thus,  for  you, 

That  by  his  suff  rings  you  may  now  be  heal'd; 

Heal'd  of  the  leprosy  of  sin;  and  wash'd, 

Not  in  Abana,  nor  in  Pharphar's  floods, 

Nor  yet  in  Jordan's  consecrated  stream, 

But  in  the  river  of  his  sacred  blood; 

Be  wash'd,  be  purified,  and  wholly  cleansed. 

Ye  men  of  Israel,  behold  the  Man  ! 

Not  by  his  foes  transfix' d,  but  by  his  friends; 

His  own  familiar  friends,  men  of  his  mind, 

Who  in  the  house  of  God,  in  Sion's  ways, 

In  sweet  accord  .together  with  him  trod, 

In  his  own  house,  which  he  had  come  to  save. 

Behold  him,  Israel,  men  of  Juda,  see; 

Behold  the  Man,  whom  basely  ye  destroy. 

Ah  !  had  his  own  reviled,  he  might  have  borne; 

Had  but  they  hated,  he  had  silent  stood ; 

Behold,  0  fallen  world,  the  Man,  who  blots 

The  dread  hand  writing  of  the  dread  decree, 


294  REDEMPTION. 

Which  stands  against  you  from  the  primal  fall, 

And  now  sure  fastens  to  th'  atoning  cross. 

Behold,  and  witness,  that  no  love  like  this, 

E'er  pierced  the  gelid  mists  of  thy  dark  sphere, 

Or  warm'd  the  frozen  heart  of  callous  man. 

Th'  afflicted  Victim  suffers  for  his  foes; 

The  Friend  of  sinners  dies  for  those  who  hate. 

Oh  !  wonder,  wonderous  the  most,  of  all 

The  mysteries,  Redemption  comprehends  ; 

The  one  grand  mystery  which  redemption  wrought — 

Himself  to  death  God  gives,  through  love's  excess, 

That  the  death  doom'd  might  by  his  dying  live. 

Three  doleful  hours  the  writhing  Victim  hangs, 

In  agony  of  blood,  and  sweat,  and  tears ; 

Whilst  gloomy  dark,  more  dense  than  Egypt  felt, 

O'erspreads  the  earth,  and  heaven  shrouds  from  view. 

Behold  the  man  !  and  what  return  his  foes, 

Obdure,  insensate,  give — not  love  fox  love, 

Not  penitential  tears;  but,  vinegar  and  gall; 

Divide  his  garments,  for  his  vest  cast  lots, 

Him  crueify,  reproachfully  contemn, 

Their  railing  accusations  o'er  him  place, 

And  passing  by,  with  wagging  heads  blaspheme : 

"  Vah !  thou  that  dost  the  temple'  of  God  destroy, 
And  build  it  in  three  days,  now  save  thyself; 
If  thou  be  Son  of  God,  descend  the  cross. 
Who  saved  others,  canst  not  save  thyself. 
If  thou  be  Israel's  King,  come  from  the  cross, 
And  we  will  then  believe  thee  as  thou  say'st." 

Now  Satan,  who,  mauger  his  late  defeat, 
Had  mingled  with  the  base  ignoble  throng, 
And  urged  his  partisans  to  slay  the  Just, 


REDEMPTION.  295 

Seeing  his  aims  accomplish' d,  straight  withdraws 
His  dev'lish  bands,  exulting  in  their  might. 
Swift  as  electric  flame  athwart  the  sky, 
More  baleful  than  a  comet  in  its  course, 
They  noxious  way  hold  down  from  earth  to  hell. 
Where,  when  arrived,  upon  his  flecker'd  throne 
Of  sulph'rous  fires,  the  Stygian  Power  sits, 
Till  dense  around  him  draw  th'  infernal  peers, 
To  hear  related  his  advent'rous  brigue. 
Nor  more  delays  the  fiend,  but  thus  begins : 

"  Ye  pow'rs  of  hell,  who  long  our  coming  stay, 
Behold  return' d  the  legions  which  you  sent, 
Nor  sent  in  vain,  earth's  empire  to  defend, 
When  first  the  note  of  danger  to  our  state, 
Was  sounded  through  the  flaming  vaults  of  hell. 
Who  victory  sought,  are  now  with  victory  crown'd ; 
As  right,  to  wisdom,  valor,  victory 
Belongs.     Not  that  ye  else  should  deem,  who  ne'er 
Defeat  could  brook;  for  what  reverses 
Might,  sometimes,  our  arms  attend,  not  long  remain' d, 
Nor  unrequited,  nor  without  repair, 
As  well  they  know,  who  battle  with  our  hosts. 
So  this  event  proves,  as  in  brief  now  hear  : 
The  King  of  heav'n,  (so  call  him  .while  he  reigns, 
Though  brief  his  empire,  soon  to  end  abrupt,) 
Had  late  perfected,  so  he  thought,  his  scheme, 
To  wrest  our  mundane  empire  from  our  lien. 
By  what  mean  think  ye  ?  why,  as  if  our  spite 
To  bait,  the  same,  with  slight  reverse,  as  when 
Of  old,  created  he  the  human  pair ; 
Adam  made  first,  and  after  him,  first  Eve; 
Now  second  Eve,  th'  abortive  Hand  first  form'd, 


296  REDEMPTION. 

From  her  then,  second  Man,  announced  his  Son. 

Small  change  I  ween,  and  like  to  end  as  ill, 

For  I  this  Man  have  slain,  (or  so  near  slain, 

That  brief  the  moments  count  twixt  him  and  death;) 

And  what  may  more  your  wonder  and  amaze 

Excite,  by  hand  of  friends;  by  this  betray'd, 

By  that  denied,  forsaken  then  by  all, 

So  by  ours  caught,  tried,  damn'd,  and  slain ; 

Whom  soon  athwart  these  burning  plains  I'll  drag, 

A  trophy  of  my  prowess ;  and  thus  end 

The  new  race,  that  was  promised  from  his  seed 

Should  rise  and  repossess  the  earth,  thence  heav'n. 

So  may  his  works  all  end,  abortive,  vain, 

And  ours  triumphant  shine,  of  right  supreme." 

He  scarce  had  ended,  and  expectant  sat 
The  loud  acclaim  of  hell's  assembled  powers, 
When  from  the  height  of  Golgotha  arose 
A  mournful  cry,  an  agonizing  groan, 
Which  roll'd  its  diapason,  deep  and  loud, 
To  utmost  bounds  of  extramundane  space ; 
Dull  silence  pierced,  confused  the  rolling  spheres, 
And  plaintive  reach'd  th'  empyreal  throne  on  high. 
'Tis  finish'd — agonized,  the  Saviour  cried, 
And  groaning  bows  his  sacred  head  and  dies. 
'Tis  finish'd — rocks,  and  hills,  and  vales,  return, 
Whilst  seas  with  awful  voice  take  up  the  sound, 
And,  It  is  finish'd,  waft  from  pole  to  pole. 
Earth,  from  her  centre  to  circumf'rence  shakes; 
The  Temple's  veil  is  rent  in  twain ;  rocks  split, 
And  blackest  night  involves  her  trembling  sphere. 
Profoundest  hell  through  all  the  confines  quakes ; 
Upheaved,  her  burning  promontories  fly, 


REDEMPTION.  297 

As  flaming  meteors,  through  the  sulph'rous  air, 

And  for  acclaim,  amidst  the  hellish  crew, 

Fall  thund'ring  down.     The  seat  of  Satan  first, 

The  dire  shock  feels,  and  tott'ring  sinks  beneath 

The  unexpected  hail.     Th'  adamantine 

Walls  of  Pandemonium,  rent  in  twain,  reel, 

And  with  the  hideous  tumult  inward  roll  j 

Her  mountains,  from  their  deep  foundations  torn, 

Blaze  o'er  the  vaulted  dome,  and  crashing  fall, 

Upon  the  reprobated  throng  of  fiends ; 

Hell's  molten  seas  pour  forth  their  boiling  waves, 

Whilst  cataracts  of  fire  come  hissing  down, 

And  discord  wild,  commingles  with  the  din. 

Nor  less  the  spheres,  astounded,  hear  the  cry; 

The  sun  from  noonday  sky  withdraws  his  light, 

Stars  from  their  orbits  flee,  in  dire  amaze, 

And  vagrant  courses  take  through  ether's  depths, 

Or,  crush'd  to  atoms,  wide  bestrow  their  planes, 

And  seem  as  not,  long  lost  to  mortal  eye, 

Till  tube  of  Galileo  brought  to  view 

Their  glitt'ring  dust,  on  heaven's  azure  fields. 

So  deem  the  asteroids,  fragments  of  worlds, 

Late  found,  and  undiscover'd  myriads  more; 

Worlds,  blanch'd  with  horror  at  th'  atrocious  deed, 

Hurl'd  piecemeal,  when  the  Saviour's  dying  groan, 

On  Golgotha,  the  universe  convulsed ; 

But  oft'ner  parts  mysterious  shooting  space, 

In  fragments  fall  whither  attraction  leads, 

As  hissing  aerolites,  and  dimly  trace 

The  ruin,  that  o'erwhelm'd  them  what  time  earth, 

With  hand  deicidal,  her  God  did  slay. 

Beside  the  cross,  withheld  from  mortal  ken, 


• 

298  REDEMPTION. 

When  the  last  sigh  from  Calvary  arose, 

The  chariot  of  the  Father  instant  stood. 

Instinct  with  life  it  rolls,  begirt  with  flame, 

And  midst  the  flame  a  throne  of  amber  glows ; 

Above,  the  likeness  of  four  living  forms 

Appear,  cherubic,  each  from  each  diverse, 

With  faces  four,  four  wings  distent,  and  hands; 

Beaming  with  eyes  innum'rable,  each  part, 

As  glows  th'  ethereal  vast,  with  gleaming  stars. 

Over  their  heads,  imbow'd  with  crystal,  shone 

A  firmament,  in  amethystine  hues, 

And  sapphire  set,  beryl,  agate  and  gold, 

A  gorgeous  canopy  extending  wide. 

Wheel  within  wheel,  quadrate  it  moved,  if  moved, 

Swifter  than  thought,  sounding  as  troubled  seas, 

Or  as  the  most  High's  voice,  when  from  between 

The  cherubim  he  speaks,  or  when  the  sky 

He  clouds  with  blacken'd  mists  and  nitrous  fumes. 

As  spirit  will'd  it  moved,  or  stood,  when  stood, 

Obedient  to  the  voice  its  motions  ruled. 

Victor  o'er  death,  from  Calvary  released, 

The  Son,  now  with  th'  Almighty's  thunder  cloth'd, 

Immediate  his  sapphire  throne  assumes, 

And  onward  swift,  (how  swift  nor  words  can  tell, 

Nor  thought  conceive,)  right  royally  down  tow'rds 

The  confines  of  th'  infernal  foes,  he  drives. 

Terror  his  frowning  visage  fiercely  brows, 

Fire  from  his  face  flames,  light'ning  from  his  eyes, 

Till  clouds  of  smoke  beneath  his  chariot  roll, 

And  darkness  close  pavilions  him  around. 

He  bows  the  heav'ns  as  he  onward  speeds, 

And  draws  heav'ns  flaming  legions  in  his  train, 


REDEMPTION.  299 

Unnumber'd  seraphs,  potentates,  and  powers, 
With  chariots  innumerable  arm'd ; 
Harnass'd  with  heav'nly  steeds,  whose  necks  as  steel, 
With  joints  of  brass  made  firm,  in  graceful  curves, 
High  toss'd  their  foamy  manes,  o'ertopp'd  with  fire ; 
Smoke  from  their  nostrils  blew  and  bick'ring  flames, 
Their  eyes  shot  light' ning,  till  beneath  their  feet, 
Prancing,  shook  terrible  the  quiv'ring  air. 
Hell,  troubled  at  his  coming,  inly  groan'd, 
Wide  oped  her  horrid  gates  with  clanging  sound, 
Reluctant,  and  the  Conqu'ror  enter'd  in. 
Th'  afflicted  powers  his  ensign  saw  from  far, 
In  crucial  form,  blazing  the  lurid  sky; 
Saw  it  and  knew,  of  old  in  heaven  seen, 
Though  not  its  import  then  made  clearly  known, 
But  now,  though  abject  deem'd  on  earth,  exalt 
On  high,  in  ample  glory  decks  the  van 
Of  every  war,  on  earth's  behalf  conduct; 
And  now  the  most,  so  recent  drench'd  in  blood, 
The  Victor  copious,  not  unwilling,  shed, 
Fitly  before  th'  astonish'd  legions  blazed, 
And  o'er  their  prostrate  files,  hurled  dismay, 
Anguish  and  dread ;  whilst  from  his  chariot,  fierce 
On  every  side,  and  from  his  red  right  hand, 
Dire  thunderbolts  he  shot,  with  plagues  infix' d, 
That  all  their  ardor  damp'd,  paled  them  with  fear, 
And  urged  headlong  down  to  depths  profound, 
Hell's  nethermost  of  woe,  with  heat  evolved, 
And  pangs  unfelt,  unthought,  unknown  before. 
Full  on  the  cow'ring  head  of  Satan,  thick 
And  fast,  his  volley'd  thunder  heaviest  flew ; 
As  patt'ring  hail  upon  some  field  of  wheat, 


300 


REDEMPTION. 


For  sickle  ripe ;  the  bending  crop,  bruised,  cut, 

Torn,  strews  the  ground,  or,  whirl'd  in  eddies,  skims 

The  tortured  plains;  so,  Satan,  bruised,  disrupt, 

Bends  neath  that  storm  of  wrath,  then  whirl'd  aloft, 

On  eddy'ing  winds,  is  helpless  dragg'd  arrear 

The  Victor's  car,  his  pride  abased,  his  vaunts 

Inane,  and  prowess  humbled  in  the  dust. 

Then,  as  some  burly  barque  on  Norway  coast, 

Encount'ring  winds  adverse,  by  Maelstrom  caught, 

With  riven  masts,  torn  shrouds,  and  bilged  hull, 

Tugs,  groans,  heaves,  strives,  in  vain  t'  escape  the  pool, 

At  last  engulf 'd,  a  shatter'd  wreck,  lies  deep 

On  ocean's  bed;  so  Satan,  powerless,  toss'd 

Within  the  whirlwind  of  his  car,  sev'n  times 

Around  the  circling  gurge  of  hell  is  dragg'd ; 

Then  spiritless,  o'ercome,  in  lethal  flames 

Involved,  lies  prostrate,  fathoms  deep  engulf 'd. 

For  midway  there  th'  almighty  Conqueror 

Withheld  his  power ;  who  meant  not  to  destroy 

Whom  he  reserved  to  fill  th'  appointed  times, 

And  in  one  universal  deluge  burn, 

Of  liquid  fire,  both  th'  author  of  evil, 

All  his  bad  works,  and  fautors  of  his  crimes. 

Victor  o'er  Death,  and  Conqueror  of  hell, 
His  chariot  wheels  staid  not  in  mid  career, 
But  hastive  sped  towards  that  prison,  where, 
Detain'd  long  time,  some  souls  his  coming  wait. 
Hard  by  the  pit  of  hell,  that  planet  rolls, 
Perhaps  a  sat'lite  of  th'  infernal  orb; 
Hard  by,  in  view,  but  monstrous  gulf  between, 
A  fathomless,  dark,  wild,  outrageous  sea, 
Impassable ;  so  that,  who  would  from  thence 


REDEMPTION.  301 

To  these,  cannot,  nor  cool  their  parched  tongues, 

So  much  as  with  one  drop  from  limpid  stream. 

Diverse  it  rolls ;  on  that  side  night,  without 

One  star  to  cheer,  or  ray  of  light,  save  what, 

From  its  own  lurid  flames,  may  serve  to  make 

Darkness  more  visible.     There  anguish  dwells, 

With  those  imperfect  souls  to  penance  doom'd, 

Till  He  who  comes  shall  come ;  but  on  this  side, 

Less  drear,  with  green  fields  spread  and  living  streams, 

Some  trace  of  rest  and  sweet  repose  may  yield, 

Some  bland  refreshment,  requiescent  glean' d, 

With  light,  for  souls  adjudg'd,  approved,  just. 

Here  Abraham  and  Lazarus  abode; 

Here  all  the  Patriarchs  found  rest  and  joy, 

With  Moses,  Josue,  David,  all  who  kept 

The  law  of  justice,  and  the  coming  hoped 

Of  that  great  Prophet,  promised  in  the  first, 

Whom  Moses  preach' d,  and  righteous  Job  foresaw, 

Should  rise  Redeemer  in  the  latter  day. 

So,  darkly  limn'd,  adjudge  this  desert  land, 

From  hence  afar ;  not,  as  some  think,  the  moon, 

Nor  yet  the  calid  texture  of  the  sun, 

Though  these  might  well  their  arid  plains  afford, 

For  purgatorial  flames,  perpetual  fused ; 

Still  less  interior  earth,  as  others  dream, 

Where  fiery  oceans  seethe,  whether  asphalt, 

Viscid  bitume,  with  res' nous  pitch  inforin'd ; 

Or  porph'ry,  granite,  in  soft  fusion  blent, 

Grand  chemic,  where  from  plastic  fire  enwrought, 

Each  fusile  mold  metallurgic  takes  form, 

And  bubbling  up  terrene,  transudes  the  soil, 

As  silver,  gold,  and  that  dull  ore  despised, 


302  REDEMPTION. 

Yet  of  more  worth  for  use,  when  deem'd  aright; 
Though  heat  not  wanting  here,  if  heat  contain 
Of  virtue  aught,  to  liquidate  from  dross, 
Depurative  of  souls,  renascent  clean. 
Not  weening  these,  but  quite  outside  their  scope, 
Beyond  the  zodiac,  whose  luminous  rays, 
A  roseate  belt  throw,  ambient  the  sphere ; 
Or  where  solstitial  colure  cuts  the  point 
Of  farthest  declination  south  its  course, 
Or  that  through  Aries  and  Libra  pass'd, 
Whose  equinoctial  grades  oppose  their  signs, 
Beyond  the  lacteal  way,  an  endless  route, 
Down  southern  pole  celestial,  where  it  points 
The  verge  of  chaos,  Anarch's  reign,  and  night 
No  morning  knows,  no  star  illumes,  remote 
From  aught  to  bless,  or  lead  imprison'd  souls, 
To  read  the  signs,  which  guided  earth  to  greet 
The  dawning  ray,  that  told  redemption  near. 
Thither  He  speeds,  with  love  and  mercy  fraught, 
And  to  the  spirits  there  imprison'd,  preach'd, 
Who  sometime,  being  incredulous,  did  wait 
God's  patience,  in  the  days  of  Noe  just, 
What  time  the  ark  he  built,  when  few  were  saved. 
Nor  preach'd  in  vain,  as  he,  with  suff'ring  long, 
But  fruits  received  in  righteousness,  joy,  peace, 
To  souls  imparted,  there  severely  tried, 
And  now  free  saved ;  yet  so  saved  as  by  fire, 
As  each  man's  work  shall  manifest  be  made, 
Whether  of  silver,  gold,  or  precious  stones, 
Or  built  of  wood,  hay,  stubble,  still  by  fire 
Of  judgment,  manifest  reveal'd.     Those  pure, 
Withstand,  but  these  be  burnt;  be  burnt,  yet  saved, 


REDEMPTION.  303 

Such  virtue  fire  doth  yield,  to  purge  from  dross, 
Depurative  of  souls,  renascent  clean. 

How  changed  his  visage,  from  when  vengeance  drove, 
Precipitous,  his  chariot's  madding  wheels, 
Athwart  the  gloomy  regions  of  the  damn'd. 
No  terrors  now  his  vengeful  brow  o'erhang; 
No  light'nings  flash,  nor  bowl  his  thunders  more. 
Where  blacken'd  fumes  around  his  chariot  roll'd, 
Shine  fleecy  clouds,  pellucid,  amber  bright, 
Till  gorgeous  rays,  refracted,  vary  o'er 
Prismatic  hues,  red,  purple,  blue,  green,  gold, 
The  like  of  which,  the  chariot  of  the  sun, 
Adorn' d  with  golden  clouds,  ne'er  down  the  west 
Rode,  nor  with  ruddy  beams  awoke  the  morn ; 
Not  Thabor  saw  such  glory,  when  that  mount 
Beheld  the  heavens  open'd,  and  the  three, 
The  voice  there  heard,  attest  the  Son  of  God. 
Yet  mildly  bright  th'  effulgence  round  him  shone, 
Not  terrible,  but  pleasing  to  their  sight, 
For  whose  redemption,  affluent  he  came, 
Wafted  on  gentle  winds,  that  round  him  blew, 
Freighted  with  spicy  odors,  fragrant  breath, 
Celestial  bland;  more  bland  than  Zephyrus, 
When  softest  he  o'er  Flora's  tender  charge, 
Blows  dewy  sweets,  slow  tripping  o'er  the  lawn ; 
Or  more  thaa  Vesperus  mild,  who  Sylva  fans, 
When  Philomela  gentlest  tunes  her  notes, 
And  Silence  wakes  with  her  nocturnal  song. 
Where  e'er  he  pass'd,  throughout  those  arid  wastes, 
Sprang  teeming  rills,  refresh'd  with  rippling  sounds, 
Or  smiling  verdure,  graced  with  fruits  and  flowers, 
Pleasing  to  taste,  grateful  to  sight  and  smell, 


304  REDEMPTION. 

Where  senses,  long  adust,  were  parch'd  with  thirst, 

By  hunger  gnaw'd,  whilst  woe  and  woeful  want, 

But  hourly  mock'd  them,  with  such  semblance  vain. 

For,  more  than  Egypt  feign' d,  or  fabled  Greece, 

Burn'd  real  here,  and  fired  delusive  hopes, 

Until  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  arose, 

With  healing  in  his  wings,  and  o'er  their  dreary  plains, 

Shed  vivifying  light  and  vernal  bloom. 

But  teeming  rills,  nor  verdure,  fruits,  nor  flowers, 

Nor  voice  of  warbling  birds,  nor  lute,  nor  harp, 

Nor  angels'  minstrelsy,  inspired  such  joy, 

Or  so  to  rapture  woke  their  wearied  souls, 

As  the  glad  music  of  the  Victor's  voice, 

Preaching  redemption  wrought,  salvation  won, 

With  pardon  to  the  captives  now  set  free. 

They,  all  the  Gospel  hear,  its  plan  receive, 

And  wond'ring  at  redeeming  love,  adore; 

Immanuel,  victor  hail,  King,  Saviour,  Lord, 

Worthy  sole  Son  to  be  forever  crown'd, 

And  worthy  honor,  empire  to  receive. 

Frequent  his  train,  the  Lord's  redeemed  throng, 

And  follow  whither  led,  to  happier  fields, 

Where  Abra'm,  father  of  the  faithful,  reign'd, 

And  prophets,  priests,  kings,  saved  of  every  tribe, 

From  beatific  vision  yet  withheld, 

Await  the  coming  of  th'  anointed  King. 

Not  unapprised ;  his  ensign  they  descry, 

When  far  the  radiant  cross  illumed  the  air. 

Numbers  unnumber'd  of  the  chosen  seed, 

As  stars,  or  sands  of  ocean,  multiplied, 

In  full  completion  of  the  promise  made, 

Throng  far  and  wide  those  blest  Elysian  fields; 


REDEMPTION.  305 

Prostrate  adore  him,  known  before  his  time, 
And  loud  the  universal  chorus  hymn — 
Blessed  is  he,  who  cometh,  Israel's  Lord; 
Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David,  King; 
Hosanna  in  the  highest;  praise  and  pow'r, 
Be  to  the  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit,  giv'n. 

Triumphant  thence,  the  Preacher  with  his  fruits, 
A  royal  line  of  kings  and  priests  to  God, 
Fully  redeemed,  and  from  the  fire  withdrawn, 
Purer  than  gold  when  sev'n  times  o'er  refin'd, 
Retraced  his  way  celestial,  back  to  earth. 
With  him,  the  resurrection  morn  they  hail, 
Through  Salem  walk,  her  sacred  courts  retread, 
Appear  to  many,  held  in  dread  amaze, 
Who  own'd  Messias  come,  and  him  adored. 

Thus,  (whilst  on  earth,  they  mourn  the  Saviour  dead, 
And  decent  lay  his  body  in  the  tomb,) 
Jesus  in  spirit  all  his  work  completes; 
Withdraws  the  sting  of  Death,  o'erpowers  hell, 
Captivity  leads  captive,  dragg'd  in  chains; 
On  men  of  good  will,  gifts  of  grace  bestows, 
Re-opens  wide  the  golden  gates  of  heav'n, 
Nor  more  delays,  his  body  to  resume. 


THE  END  OF  THE  TENTH  BOOK. 


THE 


ELEVENTH    BOOK 


REDEMPTION. 


ARGUMENT. 


Early  on  the  first  day  of  the  week  after  the  crucifixion,  Mary 
Magdalen,  and  other  holy  women,  go  to  the  sepulchre  of  Jesus  to 
embalm  his  body.  They  see  two  angels,  who  tell  them  that  the  Lord 
hath  arisen.  Jesus  appears  to  Mary  and  bids  her  go  tell  the  rest 
that  he  had  risen  from  the  dead.  He  also  appears  to  two  disciples 
going  to  Emmaus,  unfolds  to  them  the  prophecies,  and  finally  reveals 
himself  to  them  in  breaking  bread.  He  subsequently  appears  to 
the  other  disciples,  and  commissions  Peter  to  feed  his  entire  flock. 


BOOK  XI. 

Hasten  to  earth,  celestial  Graces  three, 
If,  though  heav'n  born,  ye  not  the  rather  here 
Belong,  or  should  belong,  though  to  few  known, 
And  much  defrauded  hence  of  homage  due. 
Not  by  Baltassar  thus,  who  through  your  aid, 
Braved  harmlessly  the  lions  in  their  den ; 
Nor  those  three  children  midst  the  furnace,  who, 
Though  sev'n  times  heated,  walk'd  unscath'd  by  fire. 
Not  those  I  call,  whose  muse  disdains  t'  invoke 
Aglaia,  Thalia,  and  Euphrosyne, 
Though,  outward  fair,  in  naked  beauty  seen, 
Faint  seeming  have,  to  what  I  fondly  judge ; 
And  only  seeming,  but  shine  real  there, 
Where  Faith,  Hope,  Charity,  erect  their  shrines, 
The  sacred  three,  who  now  my  muse  indite. 
Descend  then  heavenly  sisters,  nor  delay, 
Your  virtues  to  instil,  divinely  fair, 
In  hearts  bereaved,  by  violence  and  death, 
Of  their  loved  Lord,  feeble  in  faith,  of  hope 
Bereft,  and  doubting  of  the  promised  end — 
Glory  of  Israel's  state  and  name  restored; 
Still  deeming  temporal  the  promise  giv'n. 

26* 


310  REDEMPTION. 

'Twas  ere  Aurora  tinged  the  early  dawn, 
After  that  woeful  sabbath  pass'd,  that  first, 
To  Jesus'  tomb,  came  Magdalen,  Joan, 
Mary  of  James,  with  spices,  scented  nard, 
Sweet  smelling  herbs,  exequial  to  embalm, 
Whom  they  supposed  still  slumber'd  in  the  tomb. 
Amazed,  they  saw  the  sealed  stone  roll'd  back, 
And  his  dark  grave  exposed.     The  linen  cloths, 
Which  wrapp'd  his  mangled  form,  and  bound  his  head, 
Were  laid  aside,  but  whom  they  sought  was  gone. 
Two  shining  spirits,  cloth'd  in  dazzling  vests, 
At  either  end  sat,  where  the  Dead  had  lain. 
The  glorious  vision  fill'd  their  souls  with  dread  ; 
Fear  shook  their  knees,  denied  them  pow'r  to  flee, 
And  fix'd  them  shiv'ring,  rooted  to  the  spot, 
Whilst  tears  from  Mary's  eyes  stream' d  on  the  ground. 
To  whom  the  angels,  heav'nly  mild,  thus  said : 

" Woman,why  weepest  thou?  Whom  dost  thou  seek?" 
She  thus  :  "Because  they've  ta'en  away  my  Lord, 
And  I  know  not,  where  now  they  him  have  laid." 
To  her  the  angels,  comforting,  replied  : 
"  Why  do  you  seek  the  living  with  the  dead  ? 
He  is  not  here  but  risen.     Heard  ye  not 
The  words  he  spake,  while  yet  in  Galilee 
He  walk'd  ?     The  Son  of  Man  by  sinful  hands 
Shall  be  betray'd,  condemn'd,  and  crucified, 
And  slain ;  but  on  the  third  day  rise  again, 
Victorious  from  the  dead.     So  hath  it  been. 
Go  tell  the  rest,  that  what  he  said  is  done." 

Whilst  yet  her  eyes  the  silver  torrent  dimm'd, 
She  doubting,  turn'd,  and  Jesus  saw,  but  knew 
Him  not,  and  to  the  gard'ner,  so  she  thought, 


REDEMPTION. 


311 


These  piteous  words  lamenting,  thus  address'd : 

"Sir,  if  'tis  thou  hast  ta'en  my  Lord  from  hence, 
Let  pity  sway  to  ease  my  sorrowing  breast, 
Allay  my  anguish,  suage  the  pangs  of  grief, 
And  tell,  Oh  !  tell  me,  where  he  now  is  laid, 
That  I  may  take  him  thence,  and  with  due  rites 
Funereal,  his  sacred  form  compose." 

So  she,  with  streaming  eye,  and  thin  drawn  tone, 
The  voice  of  wasting  grief,  plaintive  besought, 
Eager  to  run,  impatient  of  delay, 
Or  pause  between  each  ling'ring  moment,  slow, 
That  poignant  kept  her  back  from  her  lost  Lord. 
Benignant  He,  with  soft  compassion  graced, 
And  tone  familiar  to  her  anxious  ear, 
Said — Mary.     Simple  the  sound,  but  transport 
To  her  sense,  whose  sorrowing  plaint,  is  now 
To  radiant  joy  and  rapture,  instant  changed. 
Rabboni  I  trill'd  on  her  joy  quiv'ring  lips, 
As  eagerly  she  press'd  towards  the  Lord, 
Before  him  fell,  essay'd  his  knees  to  clasp, 
And  kiss  the  gashes  in  his  feet  and  hands. 
Which,  tenderly,  the  Master  thus  repressed : 

"Rise,  Mary,  this  forbear,  and  touch  me  not, 
For  I  must  now  ascend  to  whence  I  came. 
Go  tell  my  brethren,  that  I'm  ris'n  again, 
And  to  my  Father  must  ascend,  and  yours." 

A  path  sequester'd  winds  through  Hamam's  vale, 
With  jagged  rocks  and  beetling  crags  o'erhung; 
Yet  not  of  sylvan  beauties  void,  adorn'd 
With  terebinthines'  tap'ring  spires,  cedars, 
Dense  piny  groves,  whose  pleasing  shades,  fragrant 
From  odorous  winds,  each  babbling  brook  pursues, 


312  REDEMPTION. 

With  murmurs  soft,  soothing  the  wearied  sense. 
Thither,  at  noon,  Cleophas  walk'd,  with  Luke, 
Discoursing  pensively,  as  on  their  way 
To  Emrnaus,  they  journey'd,  thoughtful,  sad, 
And  each  to  each,  his  doubting  mind  unveil'd : 

"How  vain  the  hope  of  Israel's  Saviour  come  ! 
Whose  rising  expectation,  sudden  dash'd, 
No  motion  gives  of  wish'd  deliv'rance  near. 
And  yet,  who  this  Man's  works  beheld,  his  pow'r 
Who  saw,  his  manly  port,  beneficence, 
His  condescension,  and  persuasive  air, 
Could  dawning  hope  repel,  or  faith  refrain  ? 
Through  Jewry  how  he  godlike  walk'd,  what  zeal 
Display'd,  what  gifts,  what  graces,  free  bestow'd  ! 
How  all  the  people,  following  in  his  train, 
Spontaneous  his  imperial  triumph  graced, 
Till  Salem  open'd  wide  her  gates  to  greet, 
And  Israel's  Benefactor  sought  to  place, 
On  David's  ancient  throne.     Not  Maccabees 
Such  promise  gave,  or  plausible  pretext, 
To  win  the  people,  round  his  standard  drawn, 
When  Epiphanes  tyrannous  the  tribes 
Oppress'd,  in  bacchic  revels  forced  to  lead, 
Till  idolists  defiled  their  sacred  fane. 
Yet  this,  like  those,  has  fall'n,  and  we  the  fate 
Of  Israel  deplore ;  her  priests  in  league 
With  death,  dread  Edom  reigns,  the  Gentiles  rage, 
And  hand  in  hand  oppress  the  chosen  seed. 
How  long,  0  Lord,  shall  our  Deliv'rer  stay  ? 
How  long  shall  Israel  groan  beneath  her  load  ? 
So  he  with  tears ;  th'  Evangelist  replied  : 
"Tho'  rack'd  with  doubts  conflicting,  sore  distress'd, 


REDEMPTION.  313 

So  soon  to  find  such  glorious  promise  fail, 
And  whom  we  trusted  ignominious  slain, 
Still,  something  bids  me  wait  the  promise  made. 
Eyewitness  from  the  first  of  every  act, 
Concerning  whom  our  faith  and  fealty  bound, 
E'en  from  when  Zachary  the  vision  saw, 
Which  promised  him  a  son  in  his  old  age, 
To  when  that  son  was  born,  forerunner  named, 
Of  whom  we  now  deplore,  till  J  esus  came ; 
In  grace  and  wisdom  grew,  in  favor  high, 
With  God  and  man,  miraculous  from  birth, 
Far  famed,  nor  wanting  signs  to  illustrate 
His  origins  two-fold.     Edom  then  shook, 
Th'  usurper  trembled  on  his  lofty  throne, 
Whilst  luctual  sighs  invaded  Bethlehem's  plains, 
Whose  voice  was  heard  in  Rama,  where  orbate, 
"Rachel  bewail' d  her  children,  by  him  slain, 
Who,  fearful,  sought  the  royal  Infant's  life. 
Escaped  his  wrath,  and  up  to  manhood  grown, 
What  miracles  his  wond'rous  mission  crown'd  ! 
Not  Amram's  son,  with  thaumaturgic  wand, 
Nor  Aaron's  rod  such  prodigies  perform'd, 
As  this  Man  with  a  touch,  a  look,  a  word, 
Or  simplest  inclination  of  his  will; 
Not  Josue,  though  he  bade  the  sun  and  moon, 
Abide  his  conquering  arm,  and  was  obey'd ; 
Nor  yet,  he  sole  among  the  prophets,  who 
Was  worthy  deem'd  to  be  exempt  from  death, 
Could  aught  their  greatest  works  with  his  compare. 
These  too,  their  force  derived,  not  innate  sprung, 
But  wrought  as  instruments,  what  heav'n  ordain'dj 
Nor  of  their  virtue  could  the  least  impart, 


314  REDEMPTION. 

Or  others  bid,  to  do  what  they  perform'd. 
Not  so  this  Man,  whose  life  excellent  shone, 
Innate  with  virtue,  worth  adorn' d,  and  pow'r 
To  work,  or  of  his  virtues  to  impart, 
That  others,  whom  he  would,  might  wonders  work, 
Excelling  utmost  force  of  human  skill. 
Yet,  if  he  truly  the  Messias  was, 
Why  this  so  sudden  and  nefareous  end  ? 
Why,  if  he  were  the  Prophet  known  to  come, 
The  great  Deliverer  by  Isaias  sung, 
Did  he  not  crush  the  traitor  that  betray'd  ? 
Or  strike  with  blindness  those,  whom  he  led  on  ? 
Who  bade  the  dead  to  rise,  the  elements 
To  stay  their  headlong  course,  could,  with  a  word, 
Have  paralized  their  strength,  or  through  their  midst, 
As  when  at  Nazareth  he  foil'd  his  foes, 
Have  walk'd  unharmed ;  till,  strong  in  numbers,  hosts 
Should  rise,  and  with  resistless  fury  those 
Repel,  who  now  exult  o'er  his  defeat. 
That  he  such  virtue  had,  who  doubts,  that  saw? 
Why  he  this  virtue  did  not  then  put  forth, 
Is  known  to  whom  alone  such  pow'r  belongs. 
That,  bids  me  still  believe  and  hope  the  end, 
But  this,  my  bosom  fills  with  doubt  and  dread." 
"What  thou  dost  argue;"  Cleophas  replied; 
"  Doth  still  the  more  astonish  and  perplex ; 
For,  howsoe'er  untoward  proved  the  end, 
Israel  doth  in  this  at  least  agree, 
That  of  the  men  of  God  whom  Israel  boasts, 
None  e'er  were  born,  so  great  and  good  as  He. 
For  not  the  elements  alone,  earth,  air, 
And  fire  and  flood,  his  all  commanding  voice, 


KEDEMPTION.  315 

Obey'd ;  but  demons  own'd  his  pow'r  ;  disease 
And  Death  before  him  fled,  and  wond'rous  more, 
The  heav'ns  disclosed,  and  Heav'n's  own  voice,  aloud 
Proclaim'd  him,  Son  of  God.     That  he  is  slain, 
And  Israel  still  in  bonds,  alone  doth  bar, 
That  he  is  truly,  whom  so  long  we  wait — 
Messias,  Israel's  Hope  and  promised  King. 
And  yet,  when  the  Messias  true  shall  come, 
Will  his  abearance  more  with  truth  accord  ? 
Or  will  he  greater  works  than  this  man  do  ? 
Can  greater  works  be  done  ?  or  Heav'n  say  more 
Than — This  is  my  beloved  Son,  hear  him  ? 
Amobean  thus  th'  Evangelist  return' d  : 
"  Doubt  not,  but  something  more  lies  hid  beneath 
The  mysteries,  that  dim  our  clouded  minds ; 
Some  greater  mystery  perhaps,  or  than 
The  greatest  he  hath  offer' d,  us  to  try, 
Our  love  to  prove,  our  faith  attest,  to  whom 
So  much  already  hath  been  shown.     Did  not 
He  sift  us  so,  when  at  Capharnaum, 
He  taught — Who  eateth  me,  alone  shall  live ; 
My  flesh  is  meat,  my  blood  is  drink  indeed. 
A  mystery  he  afterwards  defined ; 
Then  not,  though  many  from  him  turn'd  away. 
If  he  be  not  Messias  as  believed, 
And  as  so  many  wonders  him  proclaim, 
JTwere  well  that  this  delusion  thus  should  end. 
But,  if  he  be,  then  is  the  end  not  yet ; 
And  that  same  Pow'r,  which  hath  unsealed  tombs, 
And  waked  so  many  from  the  sleep  of  death, 
Some  motive  latent  keeps,  some  purpose  hides, 
Which,  when  reveal'd,  shall  Israel's  safety  prove, 


316  REDEMPTION. 

Her  fetters  break,  her  treach'rous  foes  subdue ; 
And  He,  with  vict'ry  crown'd,  (how  I  know  not,) 
As  David's  son  and  heir  forever  reign." 

Thus  they,  despondent,  reason' d  as  they  walk'd, 
Revolved  the  past  and  present  in  their  minds, 
Surmised  the  future,  but  believed  Him  dead, 
In  whom  their  faith  and  hope  had  long  reposed. 
Close  by  the  road,  secluded  from  their  view, 
A  by-path  led  its  devious  way  across. 
Thither  the  Crucified  had  turn'd  his  steps, 
And  came  beside  them,  walking  in  the  way. 
In  the  first  blush  of  ruddy  prime  he  seem'd, 
With  hazel  eye,  redundant  locks  and  beard ; 
A  vest  of  dazzling  white,  in  ample  folds, 
His  graceful  form  descending  scarce  conceal'd; 
A  purple  cloak,  his  manly  shoulders  bore, 
With  legal  hems,  and  tufts  Mosaic  blue. 
Much  did  they  marvel  at  his  noble  mien, 
And  much,  from  whence  he  came,  and  who  might  be, 
But  strange  were  holden,  that  they  knew  him  not. 
Meanwhile,  he  greeting — "  Peace  be  with  you,"  said, 
And  easy  inclination  graceful  made. 
"  Peace,"  they  return'd,  but  wonder'd  at  his  voice, 
Than  lute,  or  pipe,  or  dulcimer,  more  sweet, 
That  with  mild  influence  to  their  souls  convey* d, 
The  benediction  his  blest  lips  bestow'd. 
Their  salutations  given,  Jesus  said  : 

"What  manner  of  discourse  is  this  ye  hold  ? 
And  why  doth  sorrow  thus  impress  your  brows  ? 
Some  inward  grief  perhaps,  or  public  care, 
Or  sad  bereavement  of  some  cherish'd  friend. 
If  I  perchance  your  thoughts  divine  aright, 


REDEMPTION.  317 

Some  solace,  it  may  be,  my  skill  may  yield, 
For  I  have  much  endured,  though  few  my  years, 
And  much  experience  gain'd  in  sorrow's  school." 

So  he,  with  tenderness ;  Cleophas  thus : 

"Art  thou  a  stranger  in  Jerusalem, 
And  hast  not  known  the  things  which  have  been  done, 
Concerning  Jesus,  who  a  prophet  was, 
Mighty  in  work  and  word  fore  God  and  man  ? 
And  how  our  priests  and  princes,  him  to  death 
Condemn'd,  and  crucified?     We  had  supposed 
'Twas  He,  who  would  have  Israel  redeem'd, 
But  lo !  'tis  now  the  third  day  since  he  died. 
This  doth  our  sorrow  and  discourse  invoke, 
And,  so  far  true,  thou  hast  divined  aright ; 
But  now  prepare  a  marv'lous  thing  to  hear. 
Some  women  of  our  band,  ere  it  was  light, 
Did  to  his  grave  repair,  but  found  him  not, 
Though  Pilate  seal'd  the  stone  and  set  a  guard, 
Lest  some  should  steal  his  poor  remains,  and  say — 
1  He  hath  arisen  from  the  dead.'     This  stone 
Was  roll'd  away;  but  He  was  gone;  and  naught 
Remain'd,  so  they  report,  save  his  grave  clothes. 
Then  two  bright  spirits,  clad  in  white,  appear' d, 
And  said — 'The  Lord  hath  risen  from  the  dead; 
Go  tell  the  rest,  that  what  he  said  is  done.' 
This  may  to  thee,  as  it  to  us  doth  seem, 
An  idle  tale,  or  phantasm  of  the  brain ; 
For,  howsoe'er  the  pow'r  of  God  hath  some, 
From  death  to  life  restored,  through  faith  of  man, 
'Tis  yet  unheard,  and  hard  to  be  believed, 
The  dead  themselves  should  innate  force  exert, 
Revivify  their  clay,  and  rising,  spurn 

27 


318  REDEMPTION. 

Death's  cerements  and  the  barriers  of  the  tomb." 

Pity  and  sorrow  fill'd  the  Saviour's  breast, 
At  this  recital  of  their  unbelief; 
'Twas  not  enough  the  world  should  him  disown, 
That  Israel  should  his  proffer'd  mercy  spurn  j 
But  whom,  he  special  loved,  endow'd  with  gifts, 
The  myst'ries  of  his  mission  full  unveil'd, 
Made  partners  in  his  kingdom,  and  co-heirs, 
That  these  should  fall,  so  soon,  so  sadly  fall, 
Lost  in  the  mazes  of  their  unbelief, 
ReneVd  the  anguish  that  had  rack'd  his  breast, 
Anew  the  sluices  of  his  soul  unloosed, 
And  bathed  his  cheeks  afresh  with  copious  tears, 
Though  hid  from  them,  his  face  averted  turn'd. 
Yet  pity,  more  than  grief,  his  bosom  sway'd, 
Tow'rds  whom  he  saw  so  hopeless,  weak,  infirm, 
Urged  him,  compassionate,  to  mild  reproof, 
With  new  instruction,  which  he  thus  began  : 

"  O  foolish  people !  slow  of  heart  in  faith  ! 
Who  not  the  prophets  e'en,  or  priests  believe, 
Nor  words  of  Him  now  sent ;  ought  not  the  Christ 
T'  have  suffer'd  your  default,  abandon'd  earth, 
And  so  unto  his  glory  have  return'd  ? 
Who  sole  th'  offended  law  had  pow'r  t'  amend, 
Man's  debt  infinitive,  had  means  to  pay, 
That  pow'r  exerts,  himself  to  punishment 
Submits ;  dies,  that  the  race  ingrate  might  live, 
And  thus  imputes  his  righteousness  to  all, 
Who  feel  their  need,  and  to  this  source  repair, 
Finds,  ah !  how  few,  disposed  t'  accept  the  boon  j 
How  few  to  own  him,  or  confess  his  faith. 
What  manner  of  Christ  is  he,  ye  would  accept  ? 


REDEMPTION.  319 

How  would  you  have  him  come  ?  with  what  appear  ? 

As  prophet  ?  priest  ?  a  king  in  royal  state, 

With  equipage  and  pow'r?  or  low  born,  poor? 

Clad  in  soft  raimant,  glut  with  meats  and  drinks, 

Or  abstinent,  content  with  humble  fare  ? 

Come,  let  us  reason  this,  search,  note,  inquire, 

And  learn  what  Moses  and  the  Prophets  teach. 

'Tis  scarce  meridian  past,  and  long  the  way, 

Which  us  Directs  to  whither  we  would  go  ; 

The  sun  will  easy  hold  his  westward  course, 

And  ample  day  to  our  communion  give. 

Let  us  inquire  the  time  when  Christ  should  come, 

From  whom,  with  what,  and  how  he  should  appear; 

Nor  doubt  their  testimonies,  clear  disposed, 

From  when  the  Spirit  inchoative  mark'd 

The  primal  traces  of  Messias'  day, 

To  that  full  period,  when  he  was  to  come. 

Let  Israel's  leader,  Israel's  promise  show, 

Given  what  time  the  Patriarch  blessed  the  Twelve — 

1  From  Juda  shall  the  scepter  not  be  ta'en, 

Nor  ruler  from  his  thigh,  till  Shiloh  comes.' 

Who  holds  this  scepter  now  ?     Doth  Juda  reign  ? 

Or  rather  hath  it  not  to  Edom  pass'd  ? 

And  is  her  gov'aior  one  of  Juda's  seed  ? 

But  lest  defect  from  vagueness  be  inferr'd, 

Consult  that  prophet,  who  foretold  the  year, 

Exact,  from  when  Darius'  reign  began ; 

To  whom,  devout  in  prayer,  Gabriel  said — 

'  In  seventy  weeks  the  Saint  of  saints  anoint 

Shall  be,  sin  end,  and  justice  reign; 

In  threescore  weeks  and  two  shall  Christ  be  slain, 

And  they,  who  him  deny,  shall  not  be  his.' 


320  REDEMPTION. 

The  certain  sense,  no  art  of  man  may  foil, 

Nor  his  evasive  subtilty  defer; 

Prediction  both  and  malediction  firm, 

And  who  the  first  denies,  the  last  incurs. 

Nor  less  clear  is  the  place  than  time  defined, 

As  Micheas  of  Morasti  tells,  who  clear 

The  birthplace  of  Messias  saw — '  And  thou, 

Bethlehem  Ephrata,  'mongst  the  thousands 

Juda  sends,  though  small,  art  not  the  le^st,  since 

Out  of  thee  shall  Israel's  Kuler  spring, 

Whose  going  forth  is  from  eternity.' 

What  clearer  sense  would  men  of  Juda  seek  ? 

The  rolling  weeks  evolve  the  certain  day, 

And  fix  the  present  time  to  Daniel's  words, 

Whilst  Balaam's  star  o'er  Bethlehem's  past'ral  plains, 

Perfusely  show'r'd  his  advent  with  its  beams, 

And  led  the  Sages  to  his  feet  t'  adore. 

"  But  time  nor  place,  more  clear  his  advent  limn, 
Than  terms  descriptive  of  his  parentage, 
His  birth,  his  office,  character,  employ. 
Thus  hear  the  chief  among  prophetic  schools, 
Who,  fill'd  with  spirit,  touch'd  with  heav'nly  fire, 
Sings  of  Messias,  as,  (in  his  advent,) — 
'  Fill'd  with  the  spirit  of  the  Lord ;  spirit 
Of  wisdom,  counsel,  understanding,  love, 
Godliness,  knowledge,  fortitude,  and  fear; 
Who  shall  the  weak  with  justice  judge,  reprove 
With  equity,  and  strike  the  wicked  dumb.' 
Is  aught  of  this,  in  consonance  with  him, 
Whom  ye  erewhile,  did  your  Messias  call  ? 
And  Moses,  hath  he  naught  of  like  import  ? 
Hear  him — t  The  Lord  thy  God  shall  raise  thee  up 


REDEMPTION.  321 

A  Prophet  of  thy  nation  like  to  me.' 
Like  me,  he  saith ;  what  manner  of  Man  is  that  ? 
Was  't  aught  as  whom  ye  late  Messias  deem'd  ? 
Or  whom  the  prophet  after  sagely  sang  ? 
Assault  with  dangers  from  his  earliest  youth, 
By  Pharao  that,  by  Herod  this  beset? 
And  as  through  Egypt  he  was  brought  from  death, 
So  hath  not  Osee  said  of  this  your  Christ, 
1  From  out  of  Egypt  I  have  call'd  my  Son' 
Whither  he  fled,  when  Rama  heard  the  voice 
Of  Rachel,  mourning  for  the  tender  babes, 
Aloud,  with  tears  lamenting,  comfortless. 

"  But  Juda  doth  a  temp'ral  king  demand, 
A  conqueror,  with  might  and  power  arm'd ; 
Nor  else  will  brook  the  sound  of  Shiloh  come. 
Herein,  alas  !  doth  Juda  greatly  err, 
Who  heav'nly  sees  not,  wedded  to  the  earth. 
In  this  a  stone  of  stumbling  Christ  becomes, 
Offense  to  Israel,  snare  to  Juda's  house, 
And  to  Jerusalem  destruction  sure ; 
His  life,  his  poverty,  his  death,  the  rock, 
On  which  they  split,  in  hopeless  ruin  lie, 
And  utter  perish  in  their  unbelief. 
Where  is  it  writ,  a  temporal  king  shall  reign  ? 
A  spiritual  every  part  doth  trace. 
;Tis  true,  he  must  from  David's  loins  descend — 
'  The  Root  of  Isai,  Flower  of  his  stem, 
The  Bud  of  Justice  shall  from  David  spring,' 
Is  clearly  writ,  direct  in  legal  line. 
But  if  of  David,  not  less  son  of  God — 
1  Thou  art  my  Son,  this  day  I  thee  begot/ 
God  hath  himself  declared,  e'en  as  the  first. 

27* 


322  REDEMPTION. 

Nor  less  explicit  is  his  birth  defined — 
Born  of  a  Virgin,  God  with  us,  his  name ; 
So,  equal  deem'd  the  Son  of  God  and  man. 
Doth  this  accord  with  him,  of  whom  ye  spake  ? 
Mary,  the  Mother  of  this  Man,  ye  know, 
And  his  reputed  father,  Joseph  just. 
The  record  thence  dilate  of  his  descent. 
Doubtless  ye  have  ere  this,  his  lineage  traced, 
On  either  part,  and  found  him  David's  Son. 
From  this  source  then  your  clear  illation  draw ; 
Superfluous  words  do  but  the  sense  obscure. 

"  What  most  concerns  us  now,  is  not  degree, 
But  nature  of  his  office  to  inquire. 
Moses  hath  shown  him  Prophet  of  the  Lord ; 
If  Prophet,  then  of  need,  a  Priest  ordain'd. 
1  And  this  the  Lord  hath  sworn,  nor  will  repent, 
Thou  art  a  Priest  forever,  so  'tis  writ, 
According  to  the  order  of  Melchisedech.' 
But  why  a  Priest,  if  not  with  offerings  crown'd? 
And,  so  endow' d,  what  were  the  offrings  made  ? 
Symbolic  bread  and  wine,  as  Salem's  king, 
The  King  of  justice,  and  the  Prince  of  peace, 
Did  in  the  first,  predictive,  shadow  forth, 
Who,  ancestor,  nor  generation  knew. 
As  prophet,  priest,  so  priest  doth  Preacher  prove ; 
Let  this  from  that  derive.     Isaias  hear — 
1  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  upon  me  rests, 
Because  he  hath  anointed  me,  and  sent 
To  preach  unto  the  meek,  contrite  to  heal, 
To  captives  give  deliv'rance  from  their  bonds ; 
For  ashes,  to  the  mourners  give  a  crown, 
For  mourning,  oil  of  joy,  garment  of  praise 


REDEMPTION.  323 

For  grief,  and  so  proclaim  th'  acceptable  year.' 

This  scripture  is  fulfilled  in  your  ears. 

Light  cheers  the  people,  who  in  darkness  sat, 

Brightness  illumes  the  shado'wy  vale  of  death. 

There  hath  to  Sion  a  Redeemer  come, 

The  Pastor  of  his  people,  Shepherd,  who 

Doth  lead  his  sheep  to  pastures  ever  green, 

Sweetly  refresh'd  with  pure,  lifegiving  streams. 

Here  note  the  words  of  Anathoth's  bless'd  son, 

And  learn  the  motive  that  Messias  brings — 

1  In  those  days  he  a  cov'nant  new  shall  make.' 

So  saith  the  prophet,  but  what  cov'nant's  meant? 

A  covenant  of  mercy,  truth,  and  love, 

And  worthy  to  enlarge  in  our  discourse. 

First  ask  the  sum  and  centre  of  the  old, 

Whose  sacrificial  types  the  new  portend; 

See  how  those  shadows  point  to  one  great  end, 

The  sacrifice  for  primal  sin  ordain'd ; 

Which  dimly  promised  was,  to  th'  erring  pair, 

On  whom  the  sorrows  of  the  world  depend. 

Thus,  blood  of  bulls,  of  sheep,  and  goats,  mystic 

The  shedding  of  Messias'  blood  foreshow, 

Victims  slain  typical  before  the  time; 

Time  well  defined,  when  their  great  Antitype 

Himself  should  come.     Not  that  these  merit  had, 

Or  pleased  the  Highest,  who  cannot  be  appeased 

With  victims  annual  slain,  insensate  brutes. 

Oblations  he  doth  not  desire,  nor  fat 

Of  bulls,  nor  blood  of  rams;  burnt  offerings  pleased 

Him  not,  nor  morn,  nor  evening  sacrifice; 

But  One  to  do  his  will;  who  that  desired; 

Who  kept  the  law  of  God  within  his  heart, 


324  REDEMPTION. 

Whose  Name,  recorded  in  his  book,  stands  first. 
Who,  but  the  Angel,  Malachias  sang, 
The  Stone,  which  God  hath  built  his  house  upon, 
In  whom,  whoe'er  believes,  need  not  make  haste, 
Could  answer  to  this  end,  and  ransom  pay 
For  infinite  transgression  of  the  law  ? 
This  Angel  came,  the  broken  law  repair'd, 
Fulfill'd  what  Moses  and  the  Prophets  taught; 
The  great  High  Priest,  image  of  God  express, 
Came,  and  salvation  to  his  people  brought, 
Merged  the  dim  shadows  of  Levitic  rites, 
Offer'd  himself  in  place  of  victims  slain, 
And  full  atonement  made  for  fallen  man. 

"  Such  was  Messias,  as  the  Seers  foresaw, 
Such  He,  who  oped  a  fount  in  David's  house, 
To  wash  the  sinner,  and  to  cleanse  th'  unclean; 
A  fountain,  not  of  water,  but  his  blood; 
Streams  from  his  head,  his  feet,  his  hands,  his  side. 
Who,  when  they  ask,  with  what  wounds  art  thou  pierced  ? 
Shall  say,  wounds  that  my  brethren  gave ;  I  these 
Received  within  the  house  of  them  I  loved. 
Let  this  his  anguish,  now  the  Prophets  tell; 
Let  wisdom  lift  his  voice ;  let  David  sing, 
And  all  the  Seers,  who  his  sufFrings  traced, 
Divinely  taught  to  antedate  his  life, 
Foreshade  his  sorrows,  and  portray  his  death. 
Wisdom  their  rage  against  the  Holy  One 
Describes — '  Let  us  oppress  this  poor  just  Man ; 
Let  our  own  strength  the  law  of  justice  be; 
The  weak  are  nothing;  he  is  weak  and  poor; 
Yet  us  upbraids,  divulges  all  our  sins, 
Reproves  us  for  transgressions  of  the  law, 


REDEMPTION.  325 

Censures  our  thoughts,  the  just  man  he  prefers, 

And,  impious,  calls  himself  the  Son  of  God. 

Come,  let  us  make  him  prove  his  words,  for  should 

He  be  the  Son  of  God,  God  will  defend, 

And  safe  deliver  him  from  all  his  foes. 

Him  with  outrage  and  torture  we  will  prove, 

His  meekness  search,  severe  his  patience  try; 

Let  us  condemn  him  to  most  cruel  death, 

And  find  what  credit  to  his  words  is  due. 

If  we  the  Shepherd  strike,  the  sheep  will  fly.' 

'  So  did  the  Gentiles  rage,  the  Jews  devise; 

Princes  and  people  stand  against  the  Christ, 

And  e'en  his  own  familiar  friends  reject; 

Those,  who  his  bread  ate,  at  his  table  sat, 

Lift  up  their  heel  against  him  and  supplant; 

For  thirty  pieces  sell,  the  price  of  him, 

Whom  Jeremias  saw  of  Israel  priced. 

Shame  cloaks  his  face,  reproaches  dim  his  eye, 

And  he  becomes  a  stranger  to  his  own, 

An  alien  to  the  sons  his  mother  bore.' 

Had  your  Messias  aught  resembling  this? 

He,  whom  you  say,  was  bruised  and  buffetted, 

Whose  face  with  scars  disgraceful  was  deform'd, 

His  back  with  whips,  his  bleeding  brow  with  thorns? 

Then  listen  to  the  words  Isaias  sang — 

'A  tender  plant  he  grew  from  thirsty  ground, 

Of  comeliness  bereft,  of  beauty  void, 

Despised,  abject,  and  but  light  esteem' d, 

A  Man  of  sorrows,  and  acquaint  with  grief, 

Deem'd  as  a  leper,  struck  by  hand  of  God. 

Thus  he  for  man's  iniquities  was  bruised, 

Wounded  for  sin,  chastised,  and  fill'd  with  sores. 


326  REDEMPTION. 

All  men  had  gone  astray,  had  turn'd  aside, 
And  on  him  fell  the  punishment  of  all. 
Such  was  his  will,  he  offer'd  up  himself, 
Just  for  the  unjust,  all  to  bring  to  God. 
Yet,  when  accused,  as  sheep  to  slaughter  led, 
As  lamb  before  his  shearers  dumb,  no  word 
Did  he  essay,  nor  open'd  he  his  mouth. 
They  part  his  garments,  for  his  vest  cast  lots, 
Quench  his  parch'd  lips  with  vinegar  and  gall, 
And  wond'ring,  gaze  on  him,  whom  they  had  slain.' 
So  was  the  Orient  graven,  cut,  transpierced, 
Mangled  with  whips,  and  thorns,  and  nails,  and  spear 
From  judgment  and  distress  was  ta'en  away, 
Strick'n  for  his  people,  from  the  land  cut  off, 
Among  th'  ungodly  then  his  burial  found, 
His  sepulchre  with  rich,  though  abject  poor. 

"  Nor  words  alone  portray  his  deep  distress. 
With  not  less  clearness  every  emblem  shines, 
Which  down  the  course  of  Patriarchal  times, 
Still  pointed  tow'rds  the  destined  Sacrifice, 
Remedial  promised  to  atone  for  sin. 
Did  Abel  yield  the  firstlings  of  his  flocks, 
'Twas  but  the  emblem  of  the  first  born  Son, 
From  Heav'n's  eternal  ages  offer'd  up. 
So  too,  the  paschal  lamb,  whose  blood  was  shed, 
When  Egypt's  first-born,  man  and  beast,  were  slain, 
And  Israel  from  the  angel's  sword  exempt, 
Who  each  his  lintel  with  its  blood  distain'd, 
A  lively  figure  gave  of  this  Lamb's  death, 
In  whom  God's  Israel  of  all  tribes  are  bless'd. 
When  Noe  built  the  ark,  his  seed  to  save, 
While  giant  wickedness  pervaded  earth, 


REDEMPTION.  327 

'Twas  but  the  symbol  of  that  one  true  Ark, 

In  whom  the  world  is  saved  from  second  death. 

Or  he  of  Ur,  reputed  just  with  God, 

Who,  in  the  promise  of  innum'rous  seed, 

Was,  for  his  righteousness,  by  heav'n  endow' d, 

Did  he  his  only  son  e'en,  not  withhold, 

A  victim  for  his  holocaustal  rites, 

When  thus  th'  almighty  Father  seeming  tried 

His  steady  faith,  his  confidence,  and  zeal, 

;Twas  but  a  premonition  of  the  scheme, 

Which  Him  prefigured,  who  the  mandate  gave, 

And  who  his  sole  Begotten  did  not  spare, 

A  holocaust  of  love,  made  once  for  all. 

So  Moses  imaged  forth  the  lifting  up, 

When  Israel  murmur' d  in  the  plains  of  Hor. 

Swift  through  their  camps  the  fiery  serpents  flew, 

Thick  o'er  the  ground  afflicted  Israel  lay, 

Wounded  for  sins ;  when  he,  so  God  ordain'd, 

The  brazen  Seraph  raised  their  camp  the  midst; 

Tow'rds  which,  whoever  turn'd  his  eyes  with  faith, 

Was  from  the  serpents'  lethal  bite  restored. 

As  thus  the  serpent,  so  the  Son  of  Man 

Was  lifted  up,  to  heal  the  deadly  wound 

Of  Sin's  sharp  fang,  and  bid  the  dying  live. 

So  all  the  rites  of  ceremonial  law, 

Constant  to  this  same  point  perpetual  tend ; 

All  look  to  One,  and  their  fulfillment  find, 

Complete  in  him,  and  now  no  more  endure. 

Old  things  have  pass'd  away,  dim  shadows  cease ; 

Their  types,  the  Antitype  removes ;  figures 

In  realty  expire,  and  all  is  done. 

Midst  these  high  purposes,  but  one  remains, 


328  REDEMPTION. 

I 

(Not  unaccomplish'd,  but  obscured  with  doubt, 

Doubt,  on  their  part,  who  should  the  first  believe,) 

The  resurrection  of  the  Son  of  God. 

Let  one  brief  word  so  far  this  point  disclose, 

Till  dawns  that  hour,  when  doubt  shall  yield  to  faith, 

And  faith,  with  full  fruition,  turn  to  sight. 

Messias,  when  he  comes,  'tis  seen,  must  die ; 

Shall  Death,  dominion  o'er  him,  always  hold  ? 

Let  Israel's  minstrel  in  his  person  tell — 

'  My  heart  is  glad,  rejoicing  in  the  Lord ; 

My  flesh  doth  rest  in  hope,  because  my  soul, 

Thou  wilt  not  leave  in  hell,  nor  yet  wilt  give 

Thy  Holy  One,  corruption's  worm  to  see.' 

This  promise,  not  less  faithful  than  the  rest, 

Its  complement  must  in  Messias  find ; 

On  which  the  words  of  Osee  equal  bear — 

'0  Death,  thy  death  I'll  be;  0  hell,  thy  bite.' 

Death  swallowed  up  in  vict'ry  then  must  be, 

And  hell  be  broken  'neath  Messias'  power. 

But  other  words  defer;  our  journey  ends; 

And  me,  this  way,  my  further  steps  demand." 

He  said,  and  onward  press'd;  but  they,  concern'd : 
"Rest  thee,  good  Master,  leave  us  not  we  pray; 
The  day  declines,  and  evening  courts  repose ; 
Stay  with  us  through  the  night,  and  at  the  dawn, 
If  so  it  please  thee,  go  thy  way  refresh'd. 
This  place  hospitable,  though  rugged,  is, 
And  patriarchal  customs  still  prefers, 
Where  all  are  welcome,  mindful  that,  the  while, 
Some,  angels  entertain'd  have,  unawares." 

Smiling,  the  Crucified,  with  answ'ring  will, 
Retraced  his  steps,  and  enter'd  their  abode ; 


REDEMPTION.  329 

At  table  sat,  took  bread,  and  bless'd,  and  break, 
And  gave  to  them,  as  at  the  Paschal  board. 
Their  eyes  were  open'd ;  they  the  Saviour  knew ; 
But  he,  that  instant,  vanished  from  their  sight. 
Dismay'd,  confounded,  sorrowing,  yet  o'erjoy'd, 
They  call,  implore,  extend  their  hands  and  pray — 
Lord,  we  believe,  help  thou  our  unbelief. 
Then  all  his  words  recall,  and  each  to  each, 
Confess'd — "  Did  not  our  hearts  within  us  burn, 
As  by  the  way  the  scriptures  he  disclosed, 
Read  his  own  suff' rings,  death,  and  life  restored. 
Nor  harshly  spake,  but  more  with  tenderness 
Our  just  reproof  for  unbelief  inferr'd." 
So  they  with  tears;  and,  rising  that  same  hour, 
They  hastive  to  Jerusalem  return, 
And  tell  the  rest,  with  joy,  the  Lord  hath  truly' 
Ris'n  from  the  dead ;  talk'd  with  us  by  the  way, 
And  then  himself  reveal' d  in  breaking  bread. 
Whilst  they  yet  spake,  Jesus  himself  appears, ' 
Stands  in  their  midst,  and  says — "Peace  be  to  you. 
Fear  not,  'tis  I ;  behold  my  hands  and  feet ; 
Handle,  and  see,  for  spirit  hath  not  flesh 
And  bones,  as  thus  you  see.     Be  troubled  not, 
Nor  yet  your  hearts  let  doubting  thoughts  invade." 

With  heart  restored,  they  round  the  Saviour  press, 
Revolve  his  person,  touch  his  hands  and  feet, 
Pity  his  wounds,  recount  his  sorrows  o'er, 
Wonder,  and  weep,  and  joy,  and  him  believe. 

The  somber  gray  of  early  dawn,  was  tinged 
With  the  first  blushes  of  returning  day, 
When,  on  Tiberias'  shore,  secluded  spot, 
The  risen  Master  stood.     There  Simon,  chief, 

28 


330  REDEMPTION. 

"With  half  his  following  band,  had  spent  the  night, 
Sedulous  with  their  nets,  their  former  care. 
From  dusky  eve  to  slant  of  rosy  morn, 
They  unremitting,  unsuccessful,  toil'd, 
And  wearied  with  their  labor,  listless  lay ; 
When  Jesus,  unreveal'd,  thus  ask'd — Children, 
Have  you  any  meat?     To  whom  they  answer,  no. 
Then  cast  your  nets,  he  said,  on  th'  other  side, 
And  you  shall  straightway  find.     They  cast  as  told, 
And  now,  with  all  their  strength  united,  fail 
To  draw  their  burden'd  net  from  out  the  sea. 
Astonish'd  at  the  draught,  who  he  might  be, 
The  one  beloved  disciple  instant  knew, 
And  thus  to  Peter  straight  confess'd  his  faith : 

"Simon,  this  is  none  other  than  the  Lord, 
Who,  as  Mary  said,  hath  ris'n  from  the  dead. 
His  hand  hath  wrought  this  wonder,  not  our  skill ; 
Come,  let  us  hasten,  and  before  him  prone, 
Implore  his  pardon  for  our  slow  belief." 

Simon  staid  not ;  impulsive,  at  the  word, 
Girding  his  coat,  he  plung'd  into  the  sea, 
Urged  his  way  to  where  the  Master  stood, 
Eager  besought  his  pardon,  and,  with  tears, 
'In  lowly  plight  confess'd  his  heinous  fault, 
His  weak  denial,  fear,  and  want  of  faith. 
Meanwhile,  the  others  join'd  him,  who,  subdued 
With  like  repentance,  trembling  kiss'd  his  feet ; 
O'erwhelm'd  with  sorrow,  much  depress'd  with  fear, 
Lest  he,  so  late  deserted,  might  not  heed 
Their  contrite  voice,  and  penitential  tears. 
Whilst  they,  in  pain'd  suspense,  his  grace  implore, 
The  Merciful  with  pity  tow'rds  them  yearns, 


REDEMPTION.  331 

(Pity  and  love  ineffable  diffused,) 

And  oil  of  joy  pours  in  their  troubled  souls. 

Th'  indulgence  craved,  his  pard'ning  poVr  dispensed, 

And  sweet  with  words  their  anxious  fears  repress'd. 

Beside  them  on  the  shore,  glow'd  living  coals, 

With  fish  and  bread,  miraculous  prepared. 

To  these,  with  zest,  as  Jesus  bade,  they  turn, 

And  nature's  wants,  long  abstinent,  supply ; 

When,  turning  to  the  Chief,  the  Master  said : 

"Simon,  lovest  thou  me  more  than  do  these?" 
Who  thus — "  Yea,  Lord,  thou  know'st  that  I  love  thee." 
Him  Jesus  then  commission'd — "Feed  my  lambs." 
He  thus  again — "Simon,  lovest  thou  me?" 
"  Yea,  Lord,  thou  knowest  I  love  thee ;"  Peter  said. 
Anew  the  Arbiter  divine — "  Feed  my  lambs." 
Mildly  the  third  time — "  Simon,  lov'st  thou  me  ?" 
At  this,  the  Primate  grieved,  whilst  copious  tears 
Gush'd  from  his  melting  eyes,  in  answ'ring  woe. 
His  former  weakness  fresh  his  bosom  heaved, 
Contrasting  with  his  promise  res' lute  made, 
Though  all  should  be  offended,  yet  not  I, 
Which  thrice  was  broken  ere  the  cock  did  crow. 
Now  thrice  the  Lord  had  ask'd — Dost  thou  love  me  ? 
Did  then  the  Master  doubt,  or  fear  his  truth  ? 
Then,  why  address  him  Simon,  as  before 
He  changed  his  name,  and  gave  the  keys  of  heav'n  ? 
Was  he  henceforth  unworthy  heav'nly  power  ? 
Nor  more  design'd  the  Rock  of  truth  to  be  ? 
Such  thoughts  perturbed  his  throbbing  breast;  but,  nor 
His  doubts  resolved,  nor  burning  anguish  sooth' d. 
With  sobbing  voice,  and  accent  trembling,  slow, 
And  fear  lest  he,  perchance,  again  should  fail, 


332  REDEMPTION. 

At  length  he  answer'd — "  Lord,  thou  know'st  all  things ; 

And  knowing  all,  dost  know,  I  do  love  thee." 

The  Saviour  then  his  high  commission  gave, 

Renew'd  his  pow'r,  and — "Feed  my  sheep,"  he  said. 

"  The  lambs  already  are  beneath  thy  charge, 

Now  lead  the  leaders  of  my  flock  with  care ; 

For,  I  have  pray'd  for  thee,  for  special  grace, 

That  thou,  renewed,  thy  brethren  may'st  confirm. 

Behold  then,  thy  commission ;  thus  endow'd, 

And  with  me  in  my  kingdom  sociate  join'd, 

Some  likeness  to  me  shall  thy  death  betide. 

For  now  I  say,  amen ;  when  thou  wast  young, 

Thou  didst  thyself  begird,  walk  where  thou  would' st; 

But  when  thou'rt  old,  thou  shalt  thy  hands  stretch  forth, 

And  others  lead  thee,  where  thou  would'st  not  go." 

So  walk'd  Immanuel,  taught,  and  fed,  and  bless'd, 
Pending  that  hour,  when  Olivet,  blest  hill, 
Saw  him  from  whence  he  came  glorious  ascend ; 
Daily  reveal'd  himself  to  whom  he  loved, 
Promise  with  admonition  intermix'd, 
And  mild  injunction  affable  imposed ; 
To  these  display'd  his  wounds,  with  those  broke  bread, 
Caused  this  to  thrust  his  hand  within  his  side, 
Feel  the  nail  prints  in  his  torn  feet  and  hands, 
And  proved  himself  arisen  from  the  dead. 


THE  END  OF  THE  ELEVENTH  BOOK. 


THE 


TWELFTH    BOOK 


REDEMPTION. 


28* 


ARGUMENT. 


The  day  of  the  Ascension  having  arrived,  the  Almighty  assembles 
all  the  hosts  of  heaven,  and  sends  them  to  earth  to  escort  his  divine  Son 
back  to  heaven.  In  the  meantime,  the  Redeemer,  having  directed  the 
disciples  to  meet  him  at  the  Mount  of  Olives,  there  addresses  them  on 
subjects  pertaining  to  their  spiritual  life,  renews  his  promise  to  send 
the  Holy  Ghost  to  comfort  them,  commissions  them  with  the  same 
powers  which  he  had  himself  received,  and  finally  bids  them  go  forth 
and  preach  the  Gospel.  Having  taken  special  leave  of  his  disciples, 
and  of  his  sacred  Mother,  he  gloriously  ascends  to  heaven,  accom 
panied  by  innumerable  hosts  of  angels,  and  the  Saints,  whom  he  had 
released  from  Limbus.  The  Father  receives  him  with  joy  into  bliss, 
accepts  the  work  of  redemption,  and  welcomes  the  Saints  to  heaven, 
the  first  fruits  of  the  death  and  mediation  of  his  Son,  our  Lord  and 
Redeemer  Jesus  Christ. 


BOOK  XII. 

Joy  past  all  joy,  extatic,  bliss  supreme, 
Thrilled  the  vast  expanse  of  heav'n  that  day, 
That  day,  which  fixed  stood  in  God's  decrees, 
When,  all  accomplish'd,  mankind  full  redeem' d, 
The  Son,  th'  empyreal  throne  again  should  fill, 
At  right  hand  of  paternal  Godhead  sit, 
And  temper  mild  th'  effulgence  of  his  beams. 
At  early  prime,  (such  as  in  heav'n  may  serve 
For  grateful  interchange,  to  mark  the  day 
With  more  intensive  bright,  where  dark  comes  not,) 
The  bless'd  inhabitants  fill'd  heav'n's  plains. 
At  God's  high  will,  ineffable  express'd, 
On  heav'n's  wide  champaign  numberless  they  throng; 
From  bower  and  field,  from  shady  nook  and  dell, 
From  banks  of  living  streams,  midst  od'rous  groves, 
Where  fruits  ambrosial  lure  unwearied  sense, 
And  flowers  celestial  e'er  their  sweets  exale ; 
From  hill  and  valley,  far  as  heav'n  extends, 
Throughout  infinitude  of  boundless  space, 
Millions  of  flaming  spirits  marshall'd  riae. 
More  numerous  than  grains  which  Khampseen  blows, 
When  great  Sahara  from  repose  aroused, 


336  REDEMPTION. 

Sweeps  o'er  the  plains,  and  noonday  blanks  with  night ; 

Or,  ocean's  emerald  drops,  sparkling  with  sheen, 

When  winds  contrary,  spume  with  glitt'ring  spray. 

Chariots  and  charioteers,  and  prancing  steeds, 

Ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand  thousands  arm'd ; 

Not  hostile  arm'd,  as  when,  with  vengeful  force, 

Met  warring  angels,  fierce,  heav'n's  sovereignty 

To  test,  careering  on  with  roaring  wheels, 

Smoke,  bickering  flames,  and  discord's  horrid  clang, 

That  shook  vast  empyrean's  solid  base ; 

But  as  on  earth  oft  seen,  some  gala  day, 

When  knights,  at  tournament  of  arms,  enter 

The  lists,  caparison' d  in  gold ;  or  as, 

When  conquerors,  from  war  return'd,  complete 

With  trophies  graced,  approach  some  capital, 

In  holiday  costume  of  burnish'd  arms ; 

(If  few  to  num'rous,  or  earth's  splendors,  may 

To  heavenly  ardor  be  compared ;)  so  these, 

Banners  aloft,  celestial  art  emblazed, 

With  standards  fix'd,  and  ensigns  to  the  wind, 

Radiant  athwart  th'  interminable  files, 

Far  streaming,  in  refulgent  glory  gleam, 

And  brighter  cause  the  heav'nly  plains  to  glow. 

Princes  and  dominations,  thrones  and  powers, 

In  panoply  of  state,  and  regal  crown'd, 

Approach;  angels,  archangels,  cherubim 

Sweet  voiced,  and  swift  wing'd  seraphs  flaming,  skim 

Th'  ethereal  blue ;  or  vaulting  high,  o'er 

Moving  phalanx  hover,  convez,  round,  moon'd, 

Cube,  square,  or  lengthen'd  line,  instinctive  form'd, 

To  sound  of  trump  and  harp,  melodious  chimed. 

Whilst  round  the  throne,  the  heavenly  Hierarchs  draw, 


REDEMPTION.  337 

Awaiting  the  behest  of  Him  who  call'd, 
A  voice  from  the  Invisible  was  heard, 
Louder  than  voice  of  tube,  with  niter  charged, 
As  touch'd  with  fire,  or  engin'ry  of  heav'n, 
When  gluinmy  clouds  encount'ring,  fierce  explode; 
Louder,  yet  soft  as  whisp'ring  breeze,  serene 
And  mild,  to  all  the  list'ning  hosts  thus  spake : 
"  Celestial  virtues,  spirits,  sons  of  heav'o, 
Behold  the  day  that  I,  who  am,  have  made ; 
Day  fix'd  in  my  immutable  decrees, 
For  honor  of  my  sole  begotten,  best 
Beloved  Son ;  day  from  eternity 
Defined,  in  the  eternal  volume  writ, 
When  every  knee  shall  bow,  each  tongue  confess, 
Of  all  that  dwell  in  highest  heav'n,  on  earth, 
Or  in  th'  unfathom'd  depths  profound  of  hell; 
To  him  shall  bow,  who  bears  that  holy  Name, 
Which  saves  who  utters,  from  the  wrath  to  come. 
For  this  cause  took  he  up  a  servant's  form, 
Veiling  the  Godhead  neath  the  flesh  of  man, 
Assumed  his  likeness,  in  his  habit  found, 
Humbled  himself  obedient  unto  death, 
E'en  to  most  shameful  death  upon  the  cross. 
Mystery,  on  which  you  have  desired  to  look, 
Desire  now  crown'd,  a  part  of  which  you  were, 
My  minist'ring  spirits,  down  the  course  of  time 
Unfolding,  what  my  high  decree  vouchsafed, 
Till  fullness  of  the  promised  epoch  dawn'd, 
And  horn  of  my  Anointed  was  exalt. 
Whom  oft,  from  your  lips  taught,  my  saints  have  sung, 
And  now  in  every  phase  complete  unvolved, 
Though  each  seem  contra,  all  divinely  clear, 


338  REDEMPTION. 

And  reconciled  in  whom  my  likeness  shines — 

A  man,  yet  God,  exalted  though  abased, 

Master,  yet  servant,  priest,  yet  victim  bound, 

Consign'd  to  death,  yet  victor  o'er  the  grave; 

The  first  fruits  now  become  of  them  that  sleep. 

Our  part  is  here  complete :  the  rest,  remains 

For  man,  who  his  salvation,  each  must  work ; 

Yet  not  alone,  as  if  of  his  own  strength, 

My  grace  still  aiding,  still  preventing  him, 

Him  following,  to  sanctify  and  save. 

Nor  doth  your  mission  end;  your  ministry 

To  lead,  guide,  guard  my  saints,  the  same  endures, 

As  from  the  first  my  chosen  were  your  care. 

More  num'rous  now  than  then ;  from  all  parts  drawn, 

From  every  nation,  tribe,  and  diverse  tongue; 

Whoe'er  my  truth  confess,  accept  my  grace, 

And  interest  seek  in  his  atoning  blood. 

Meanwhile  earth  waits  you.     Go,  attend  my  Son, 

Who  now  the  glory  he  first  had  resumes, 

And  equal  with  me,  equal  shares  my  throne." 

So  spake  the  Father,  so  his  love  display' d, 
Mercy  and  truth,  to  all  the  heav'nly  powers. 
Him,  pleased  they  hear ;  him,  prostrate  they  adore ; 
Extol  him  King  and  Lord,  forever  bless'd ; 
Great  in  his  works,  and  greatly  to  be  praised, 
Magnificent  in  glory,  wond'rous  all 
His  ways ;  in  mercy  plenteous,  terrible 
In  wrath;  who  captive  leads  the  reprobates, 
And  from  their  malice  sets  his  children  free ; 
Who  doth  the  mighty  overthrow  with  might, 
And  to  the  sons  of  peace  his  glory  shows ; 
His  everlasting  Kingdom  magnifies, 


REDEMPTION. 


339 


Saving  from  ruin,  those,  the  sons  of  men, 
Who  place  their  trust  in  his  almighty  arm ; 
Lifteth  who  falls,  and  faithful  to  his  word, 
Redeems  his  saints  from  sin  impending  death. 
Thus  their  glad  choirs  Jehovah's  praise  entone, 
Nor  wait  they  more ;  but  orderly  array' d, 
With  martial  tread,  or  on  soft  pinions  bent, 
Take  swift,  at  his  command,  terrestrial  way. 

Bright  as  the  virgin  sun.  when  first  his  beams 
Shone  forth  upon  the  new  created  world, 
Or  when  restored  to  postdiluvian  morn, 
Aurora  oped  the  golden  eye  of  day. 
All  Nature  smiled.     Jocund  the  feather'd  tribes, 
Pluming  aerial  wings,  their  matin  carols  trill'd ; 
Nor  waited  sparkling  rills,  whose  dancing  spray 
Dispensed  pearly  dew,  to  sing  his  praise; 
The  hills  their  cedars,  lofty  mountains,  pines, 
Symphoneous  waved ;  floods  clapp'd  their  hands, 
And  seas  tremendous  roar,  with  tiny  voice 
Of  babbling  brooks,  well  chimed,  blended  their  songs; 
Whilst  flocks,  and  lowing  herds  conspired 
In  blithsorne  gambols,  merry  mood,  glad  praise, 
As  conscious  of  their  Maker's  triumph  near. 
So  all  that  live,  or  breathe,  move,  swim,  or  walk, 
That  tread  the  watery  depths  profound,  or  soar 
Sublime  on  oary  wing  through  ether's  vast, 
Accord,  instinctive,  honor  to  his  name. 
Worlds  in  their  ceaseless  round,  more  glorious  shine, 
Suns  trim  their  waning  lamps,  relight  their  fires, 
And  chime  harmonious  cadence  to  their  song. 
Chiefest,  blest  Olivet  his  presence  greets, 
Once  water'd  with  his  tears,  a  fructuous  shower, 


340  REDEMPTION. 

But  now  whose  brow,  with  teeming  joy,  receives 
The  impress  of  the  ascending  Master's  feet, 
Hard  by  Bethania,  way  oft  trod  before, 
And  late  in  sorrow,  when  his  anguish'd  soul, 
In  agony  of  sweat  and  blood  thrice  bow'd, 
Drain'd  the  last  dregs  his  bitter  chalice  held. 
More  glorious  now  that  spot,  whence,  sorrows  o'er, 
Redemption's  battle  fought,  the  vict'ry  won, 
Triumphant  he  assumes  his  heav'nly  throne. 
Beside  a  grove  of  olives,  thus  he  stands, 
Transparent  robed  his  form,  brighter  than  when 
The  flow'ry  top  of  Thabor  first  beheld 
His  earthly  to  celestial  pure  transform'd; 
Irradiant  light  his  godlike  brow  adorns, 
Beamy  with  smiles,  with  tenderness  and  love ; 
Not  lonesome  stands,  deserted,  sole,  depress'd, 
As  when  his  own  forsook  him,  base  betray'd ; 
But  round  him,  who  erst  fled,  now  closely  cling, 
Forgiven  their  default,  their  feeble  faith, 
And,  weeping,  these  his  parting  words  attend  : 
"  'Tis  needful  for  you  that  I  hence  depart, 
And  to  my  Father,  as  I  said,  return, 
To  yours  and  mine,  your  places  to  prepare, 
That  were  I  am,  ye  also  may  abide. 
Strangers  ye  are,  and  all  who  me  believe, 
In  this  fall'n  world,  created  once  so  fair, 
Scarce  less  than  heav'n  endow'd,  fitted  for  man, 
But  little  lower  than  the  angels  made, 
Now  alienate  from  God,  pollute  by  sin, 
Though  by  my  sacrificial  death  redeem'd ; 
Strangers  and  pilgrims,  who  no  city  have, 
No  lasting  biding  place,  where  ye  may  stay. 


REDEMPTION.  341 

Though  of  it  not,  yet  in  it  much  remains, 

To  stimulate  your  faith,  love,  energy 

And  zeal.     Faith  him  towards,  who  his  own  life 

Spared  not,  to  purchase  yours;  love  for  the  boon, 

With  energy  and  zeal,  that  life  to  gain, 

Which  lives  beyond  the  confines  of  the  tomb. 

Here  lies  your  warfare,  here  the  fields  of  strife, 

Where  seen  and  unseen  foes  your  way  contest. 

Here  ope  the  lists,  you  the  athletes,  call'd 

To  wrestle,  run,  toil,  strive  th'  immortal  prize. 

Who  fights  shall  conquer;  he,  who  strives,  shall  win, 

With  arms  celestial,  grace  superior  crown'd. 

Let  not  your  hearts  be  troubled  nor  afraid, 

I  will  not  leave  you  orphans,  comfortless; 

But  will  myself  be  with  you  to  conduct, 

Through  all  the  varying  conflicts,  earth  and  hell, 

Against  the  safety  of  your  souls  shall  wage. 

Be  not  deceived;  the  world  will  love  you  not; 

Will  hate  you,  persecute,  and  for  my  sake 

Destroy.     Hath  it  not  hated  me,  defamed, 

And,  as  it  hoped,  destroy'd?    So  will  it  you. 

The  servant  is  not  greater  than  his  lord. 

If  you  were  of  the  world,  the  world  would  love, 

But,  since  I  you  have  chosen  from  the  world, 

The  world  will  hate  you,  as  it  hateth  me. 

But  blessed  are  ye,  when  mankind  shall  hate, 

And  when  ye  suffer  persecution,  bless'd; 

Bless'd  when  reviled,  and  evil  spok'n  against, 

Untruly,  for  my  sake;  bless'd  when  ye  mourn; 

For,  yours  the  kingdom  is,  and  mine;  and  I 

The  Father's  am;  as  I  in  him,  so  you  in  me, 

In  suff'ring  one,  so  one  in  glory  crown'd. 

29 


342  REDEMPTION. 

Let  no  divisions  this  compact  divide, 
No  hostile  force,  this  union  disunite; 
As  little  children  love,  with  simple  faith, 
Adhering  to  the  precepts  I  have  taught. 
All  these,  the  Paraclete,  whom  I  will  send, 
Will  to  your  minds  recall;  and  lead  and  keep 
You  ever,  to  the  end  of  time,  in  truth ; 
Ne'er  shall  forsake  you,  suffer  not  to  err; 
So  build  you  up,  my  Church,  the  living  faith, 
Pillar  and  ground  of  truth,  which,  whoso  hears, 
Hears  me,  who  doth  despise,  despiseth  me, 
Despiseth  me,  and  him,  who  me  hath  sent. 
Behold  the  height  to  which  your  mission  tends — 
All  power  is  given  to  me,  all  power  to  you, 
For,  as  the  Father  me  hath  sent,  do  I 
Send  you;  receive  ye  then,  the  Holy  Ghost; 
Whose  sins  you  shall  forgive,  they  are  forgiven ; 
Whose  sins  you  shall  retain,  they  are  retain'd. 
Go,  preach  my  Gospel ;  all  the  nations  teach ; 
Baptize  with  water  in  the  sacred  name 
Of  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  triune, 
And  I'll  be  with  you  to  the  end  of  days." 

So  saying,  on  the  Twelve  he  mystic  breath' d, 
In  them  infused  the  new  celestial  life, 
Converted  them,  and  molded  to  his  will. 
As  first  from  clay  original,  inert, 
Adam,  proportion'd  neath  his  plastic  hand, 
He  made,  then  in  his  nostrils  breath'd  the  breath 
Of  Life,  and  man  became  a  living  soul, 
The  perfect  image  of  his  Maker's  form, 
And  in  the  Maker's  stead  to  rule  the  earth ; 
So  these,  from  unrenew'd  and  death  of  sin, 


REDEMPTION.  343 

Were  instant  raised  to  supernatu'ral  life, 
The  image  of  thei*  great  Exemplar  made, 
And  full  endow'd  with,  their  Exemplar's  power. 
Who  first  created,  now  creates  anew, 
With  his  own  grace  indues,  his  works  to  will, 
And  greater  works  than  he  vouchsafed,  permits, 
When  such  the  glory  of  his  kingdom  bids; 
To  Eden's  bliss,  gave  power  earth  to  restore, 
Wisely  should  earth  accept  the  proffer'd  grace, 
And  peace  surpassing  knowledge,  peace,  that  earth 
Hath  not  the  pow'r  to  give,  nor  take  away. 
More  than  the  Thesbite  gave  his  following  friend, 
What  time  he  bless'd  him  with  the  double  gift, 
And  left  him  to  pursue  his  way  alone, 
Gave  this  to  whom,  reluctant  he  must  leave; 
For  here  the  Master  of  the  Thesbite,  free, 
Of  his  own  fullness  gave,  abounding  grace. 
Nor  less  did  these  implore  him  not  to  go, 
Cling  to  his  feet,  his  robes,  gaze  on  his  face, 
Feast  on  his  words,  and  long  to  keep  him  near. 
Whom  once  they  lost,  whom  now  they  find  restored, 
Jealous  they  guard,  lest  that  his  mystic  words, 
Their  complement  should  find  in  greater  loss. 
Nor  did  their  hearts  mislead  them,  doubting  vain. 
A  heav'nly  ardor  kindles  on  his  brow, 
His  form  unwonted  brilliance  soon  o'erblazed, 
Dilated  grew,  and  larger  stood  than  life. 
Nor  stood  alone,  for,  redolent,  the  air 
Resplendent  glow'd,  with  flaming  ministers; 
Whilst  crowds  of  witnesses  around  appear, 
And  all  the  brow  of  Olivet  illume. 

Sing,  heavenly  Muse,  who  still  with  gentlest  hand, 


344  REDEMPTION. 

Conducts  me,  rev'rent,  through  the  final  day, 

What  escort  now,  on  Olivet  attend 

The  Conqueror  back  from  earth,  to  those  blest  realms, 

Where  peace  and  joy  with  Him  forever  reign. 

Sing,  Muse,  the  chiefs,  so  happ'ly  late  released 

From  Limbus,  who  that  day  saw  Jesus  rise, 

And  midst  the  throng,  with  alleluias,  first 

Made  entrance  glad,  to  Sion's  blissful  courts; 

Messias'  convoys,  and  his  trophies,  won 

From  Sin's  dominion,  through  that  direful  death, 

Whereby  he  purchased  life,  to  them  restored. 

Men  rich  in  virtue,  faith,  in  wisdom  skill'd, 

Crown'd  with  all  good,  much  praised  in  their  day, 

And  in  memorials  traced  by  virtue  built, 

Good  works,  kept  in  remembrance  by  their  seed; 

Lights  of  a  shadowy*  age,  whose  genial  rays, 

With  luminous  track,  dispand  earth's  glummy  sky, 

Turn  types  to  substance,  emblems  warm  to  life, 

And  all  concenter  in  Immanuel's  day. 

First,  Adam,  son  of  God,  earth's  fed'ral  head, 

Sore  mulct  for  his  incontinent  defect, 

Now  purged  from  sin,  no  more  the  thicket  seeks, 

Afraid  the  voice  of  God,  but  chiefest  stands, 

Through  promised  Seed  restored.     So  Abel  just, 

His  sacrifice  accept,  here  views  the  Lamb, 

His  holocausts  portray'd.     Noe',  found  perfect, 

Who,  patient,  reconciliation  preach'd, 

And  saved  a  remnant  of  the  drowning  world, 

Next  marshals  that  long  line,  which  sin  withstood, 

(Compute  from  Jepheth,  Sem,  by  Noe  bless'd,) 

Who  planted  seeds  of  grace  in  th'  infant  world. 

Nor  less  in  glory,  he  of  Ur,  father 


REDEMPTION.  345 

Of  nations,  great  for  faithfulness  approved, 

Who  thence  the  seal  of  faithfulness  received, 

In  promise  of  innumerable  seed. 

Isaac  the  chief,  who  later  Jacob  had, 

Father  of  twelve,  the  heads  of  sep'rate  tribes, 

Of  whom  his  fav'rite,  Joseph,  formed  the  crown, 

Made  as  the  starry  hosts  in  multitude, 

And  frequent  as  the  sands  of  bord'ring  seas ; 

Not  singly,  each  by  each,  the  patriarch  chiefs, 

But  num'rous  come,  attended  by  their  sons, 

Whose  names  were  number'd,  and  whose  deeds  of  faith, 

Renowned  stood,  in  annals  of  their  tribes. 

First,  he  who  Israel  from  Phithom  led, 

By  Ramases,  and  through  the  land  of  Nile, 

With  marv'lous  works,  and  high  and  mighty  hand, 

To  Phasga,  whence  the  promised  land  he  view'd, 

From  Galaad  to  Dan,  as  Segor  far, 

And  plain  of  city'  of  palms,  but  enter'd  not, 

Nor  press'd  its  sacred  soil,  till  now  the  mount 

Of  God  receives  him ;  him  and  that  Levite, 

Who,  for  bold  speech,  and  eloquence  renown'd, 

Made  Egypt  tremble  till  his  quest  was  gain'd, 

Though  oft  refused,  and  sore  the  tribes  oppress' d. 

He  'twas  whose  brow,  with  holy  oil  anoint, 

Diffused  wide  fragrance,  as  like  gentle  dew, 

The  precious  unguent  fell,  o'erspread  his  robes, 

Bathed  his  sacred  feet,  and  strew'd  the  ground. 

Then  third  in  glory,  Eleazar's  son, 

Good  Phinees  came,  who,  when  the  people 

Shameful  fell,  uprightly  stood ;  and,  moved  with  zeal, 

Avenged  their  sin,  and  Israel's  God  appeased. 

Next  t'  him,  that  valiant  captain,  son  of  Nun, 


346  REDEMPTION. 

Join'd  with  his  second,  Caleb,  who  advanced, 

Fearless  of  Anac  and  his  giant  sons, 

To  view  the  land,  with  milk  and  honey  fed ; 

Who,  by  the  prince  of  warrior  angels  taught, 

Pass'd  dryshod  o'er  Judea's  hallow'd  stream, 

Pitch'd  his  first  tents  in  Canaan's  palmy  vale, 

Its  fated  city  leaguer' d  with  his  camps, 

Six  days  in  silence,  awful  in  their  calm, 

The  sev'nth  with  shouts,  and  trumpets'  thund'ring  blasts, 

Her  tott'ring  towers  hurl'd  piecemeal  to  the  ground. 

For  other  service  now,  he  with  his  bands, 

By  greater  Captain  marshall'd,  glad  abides ; 

To  higher  notes,  his  warlike  trump  attunes, 

Than  e'er  inspired  with  might  his  vengeful  arm ; 

Whom  myriads,  on  Olivet  surround, 

Faithful  who  fought,  awaiting  heav'nly  crown, 

Faithful  in  few,  to  many  greater  call'd, 

And  now  victorious  triumph  with  their  Lord. 

So  valiant  Barac,  he  whom  Debo'ra  sang, 

Abinoem's  son,  and  those  from  every  tribe, 

Who  stoutly  fought  at  Thanac,  where  distain'd, 

Maggedo  downward  rolls  his  gory  waves, 

Athwart  Esdrela's  vale  to  inner  sea. 

There  Madian  fell,  by  Gedeon  pursued, 

And  Amalec,  when  by  the  dewy  fleece, 

'Twas  proved,  afflicted  Israel's  safety  hung, 

Upon  the  valor  of  his  doubting  arm ; 

There  too  Josias  met  th'  Egyptian  king, 

At  foot  of  Carmel,  and  opposed  his  way, 

But  fell,  oppress' d,  beneath  the  victor's  steel; 

So  in  one  day,  his  earthly  lost,  and  gain'd 

A  heav'nly  crown.     All  these  came  panoplied, 


REDEMPTION.  347 

And  their  attending  hosts,  with  myriads  more, 

Who  feal  lived  and  died,  their  steady  faith 

Preserving  Him  towards,  whose  advent  they, 

And  promised  restoration,  saw  begun ; 

Though  long  from  fields  of  unavoided  strife, 

They  peaceful  slept  the  slumber  of  the  just, 

Or  from  congenial  pastoral  life  recall'd, 

In  Memphian  darkness  waited  sure  reward. 

Nor  only  warriors,  patriarchs,  and  kings, 

But  that  illustrious  host,  and  royal  race 

Of  prophets,  priests,  and  seers,  Levitic  bands, 

In  Limbus  long  detain'd,  to  brighter  fields, 

And  Gospel's  genial  ray,  as  hoped,  now  wake. 

The  chief  was  Anna's  son,  to  Silo  brought, 

The  first  fruit  of  her  womb,  vow'd  to  the  Lord; 

With  whom  he  talk'd,  whom,  favor'd,  he  beheld, 

Strong  in  whose  might,  the  Tyrian  kings  he  crush' d, 

Philistia's  lords,  and  all  his  foes  subdued ; 

Next  t'  him  in  place  and  sacerdotal  power, 

Came  who  the  royal  sinner  stern  rebuked, 

That  robb'd  the  Hethite  of  his  one  ewe  lamb, 

Nor  regal  state  fear'd,  nor  his  kingly  frown. 

Beside  him  Ahias,  who,  though  blind  from  age, 

Pierced  with  prophetic  ray,  the  thin  disguise 

Of  her,  who  sought  Abia's  fate  to  learn. 

Dimly  no  more  his  sightless  eyeballs  roll, 

Nor  tott'ring  in  his  gait,  with  feeble  knees, 

Whose  limbs  celestial  vigor  fresh  instills, 

And  youth  immortal  his  full  powers  restores. 

But  more  illustrious  in  that  saintly  throng, 

As  gifted  more  with  thaumaturgic  power, 

Stood  he,  who  shut  the  heav'ns,  yet  without  rain, 


348  REDEMPTION. 

Supplied  the  triple  kings,  with  genial  streams, 

The  Syrian  leper  freed  from  loathsome  sores, 

Thence  to  Giezi  fraudful,  soon  transferr'd ; 

Nor  e'en  in  death  surceased  his  marvellous  works, 

Whose  sacred  relics  dead  to  life  restored. 

Soon  after  him,  lest  not  preferr'd  before, 

That  great  ecclesiastic  rose,  prophet 

And  priest,  who,  for  good  Ezechias'  sake, 

On  Achaz'  dial  roll'd  the  shadow  back, 

And  lengthen'd  out  the  feeble  monarch's  days ; 

Yet  punish'd  him  his  pride,  who  vainly  show'd 

The  glory  of  his  state  to  Berodach ; 

Doom'd  his  heap'd  treasures,  spices,  od'rous  nards, 

And  his  base  sons,  a  prey  to  Babylon's  lord. 

Then  he,  around  whose  mem'ry  fragrance  breathes, 

Sweeter  than  e'er  perfumer's  skill  compounds ; 

Third  of  the  three  in  benediction  held, 

Josias  named,  who  Israel  purged  from  sin, 

Idolatry  suppress'd,  in  godliness 

Confirm'd  the  stiff-neck'd  race,  from  death  redoem'd. 

But  time  would  fail,  to  name  the  long  array 

Of  Israel's  sons  and  daughters,  who  awoke 

To  bright  reality  of  Shiloh  come, 

And  ears  grow  weary  with  the  oft  told  tale— 

Ezechial,  Jereuaias,  patient  Job, 

The  last  of  Uz,  adopted  child  of  faith, 

Whose  steadfast  eye  look'd  forward  to  this  day, 

When  he  himself  should  his  Redeemer  see ; 

Nor  those  scarce  lesser  twelve,  Osee'  the  first, 

And  Malachias  last,  whose  names  are  bless'd. 

Nor  yet  on  th'  other  side,  those  matrons  fair, 

Whom  Miriam  led,  and  virtuous  Anne  closed ; 


EEDEMPTION.  349 

If  closed  by  any,  where  much  grace  abounds, 

Who  chiefest  need,  and  chiefest  e'er  embrace, 

As  weaker  vessels,  covenant  with  God ; 

A  goodly  train,  in  fellowship  of  faith, 

Hope,  love,  befitting  best  angelic  souls. 

Their  names  not  wanting,  and  not  hard  to  tell, 

Nor  wanting  deeds  t'  adorn  heroic  verse, 

Were  't  fit  to  sing  of  sex,  where  sex  is  lost, 

Resorbed  in  ocean  infinite  of  love. 

Sex  not  here  sung,  but  deeds  achieved  by  grace, 

(Heroic  more  than  carnal  warfare  waged,) 

And  victory  through  Her  obtained,  the  chief, 

In  whom  was  nor  the  knot  original, 

Nor  cortex  rough  of  actual  distain  ; 

The  crown  of  virgins,  Mother  of  the  race, 

And  Queen  of  all,  o'er  whom  her  Son  holds  sway. 

More  num'rous  theirs  than  ours,  adorned  the  more, 

WTith  what  shines  brightest  there,  where  earthly  fails, 

And  needy  elements  no  value  bear. 

Repentant,  sorrowing,  now  rejoicing  Eve, 

Who  with  the  promise  of  that  perfect  Seed, 

Was  first  consoled,  here  saw  the  promise  fill'd ; 

Saw  him  who  was  to  come,  the  Man  divine, 

Who  made  himself  the  Victim  for  her  fault ; 

Her  daughter,  second  Eve  saw,  heav'nly  fair, 

In  lineal  descent,  predestined  line; 

More  perfect  than  herself,  true  Paradise, 

The  Serpent  sly  ne'er  enter'd,  nor  defiled. 

Next  beauteous  Ada  came,  mother  of  those, 

Who  pastoral  life  pursue ;  who  made  the  harp, 

And  taught  the  swelling  organ's  pipes  to  blow, 

With  harp  immortal  deck'd  and  heav'nly  crown. 


350  REDEMPTION. 

Then  Sella,  she,  who  first  domestic  arts 
Contrived,  the  distaff  held,  and  taught  the  loom 
With  glowing  works  to  shine  of  various  dye. 
Sara,  the  patriarch's  unbelieving  spouse, 
Convinced  the  promise  now  of  countless  seed, 
And  special  Him,  who  had  the  promise  giv'n. 
So  Bathuel's  daughter,  who  two  nations  bore, 
And  Israel's  blessing  for  the  younger  sought, 
Sought,  and  by  partial  stratagem  obtain' d. 
Lia  and  Rachel,  Jacob's  toilsome  meed, 
Approach'd  by  these,  with  worthy  bands  in  train; 
Twelve  comely  maids,  by  Jacob's  twelve  sons  led, 
With  num'rous  offspring,  strict  in  legal  line. 
Then  much  wrong'd  Thamar,  juster  than  her  sire, 
By  whom  came  Zara,  and  that  other  son, 
The  sire  of  Esron,  by  whom  Aram  came, 
Aminadab,  Nahasson,  Salmon  thence, 
Who  Rahab's  zeal  rewarded  with  his  love ; 
She  him  his  love,  with  Booz,  her  first  pledge, 
Noemi's  kinsman,  who  took  virtuous  Ruth, 
Model  in  Ephrata,  in  Bethle'hem  famed, 
Model  of  virtue,  famous  in  her  line, 
Since  Obed  she,  who  Isai  thence  begot, 
Direct  to  David,  whence  Messias  sprang, 
Through  Solomon,  by  Bethsabee,  whose  beauty, 
Israel's  shepherd  king  to  sin  misled; 
She  innocent,  the  guiltiness  his  own, 
Who  stood  condemn'd  to  punishment  severe, 
Just  as  severe,  and  sole  forgiven,  when  death 
The  scandal  from  his  royal  house  removed, 
Though  much  more  sorrow  subsequent  befel. 
Soon  after  these  came  Abi  fair,  the  spouse 


REDEMPTION.  351 

Of  Achaz,  through  whom  Ezechias  claims 

Descent,  who  Ammon's  high  places  destroy'd, 

His  statues  razed,  cut  down  his  groves, 

And  brazen  Seraph  broke,  which  Moses  made, 

To  save  the  people,  by  the  dragons  bit, 

But  now  to  base  idolatry  disposed, 

To  impious  worship,  and  with  incense  fumed. 

Nor  least  renowned  in  these  hallow'd  bands, 

Stood  Judith  of  Merari,  boldly  who, 

The  tyrant  Holofernes  slew,  and  freed 

Bethulia,  long  encompass'd  by  his  tents; 

Nor  valiant  Jahel  less,  who  Sisera  slew, 

With  nail  and  hammer,  pinn'd  him  to  the  ground, 

And  Israel  rescued  from  th'  oppressor's  power. 

'Twere  long  to  sing  of  Jephte's  reckless  vow, 

And  her,  who  meekly  suffer'd,  though  cut  off 

From  hope,  through  continence,  of  the  blest  Seedj 

Or  those  five  maids,  who  claim' d  Manasses'  lot, 

Maala,  Hegla,  Melcha,  Noa'  and  Thers' ; 

Or  that  famed  prophetess,  Josias  knew, 

Holda  her  name,  who  Moses  law  enforced, 

Long  lost,  but  in  that  good  king's  reign  restored, 

And  with  fresh  zeal,  its  precepts  new  enjoin'd. 

All  these  and  more,  elect  of  every  tribe, 
With  retinue  diffuse,  happ'ly  redeem'd, 
To  endless  rapture  rise,  whilom  though  sad, 
What  time  they  Israel's  woes  mourn' d,  and  their  own, 
Whom  nations  crush' d,  and  Babylon  enthrall'd. 
Num'rous  they  throng,  not  now  with  sorrow  dumb, 
Nor  harps  on  bending  willows,  mute,  unstrung, 
But  robes  wash'd  white,  radiant  with  rapture,  crown'd, 
With  palms  victorious  waved  in  every  hand, 


352  REDEMPTION. 

And  songs  immortal  on  their  tuneful  tongues. 
On  that  side  Olivet  next  heaven  they  stand, 
Tow'rds  where  the  golden  gates  of  bliss  unfold, 
Whence  heav'n's  eternal  citizens  outpour, 
Crowding  the  sapphire  pathway  of  the  sky, 
And  now  with  matchless  speed,  past  measure  swift, 
With  jubilations,  mirth,  and  sacred  songs, 
Descend  as  light' ning,  through  th'  ethereal  way. 
On  either  hand  their  flying  squadrons  move : 
Two  radiant  columns,  right  and  left  dispart, 
Wide  space  between,  to  let  the  conqueror  pass, 
With  heaven's  new  habitants,  redeem' d,  in  train; 
Whilst  hov'ring  near  him,  now  t'  angelic  raised, 
The  holy  Innocents,  who  shed  their  blood, 
When  first  the  wrath  of  Herod  sought  His  life, 
Their  piteous  cries  to  notes  cherubic  change  ; 
Beside  whom  Joseph,  Mary's  sacred  spouse, 
The  patron  of  their  innocence,  close  stands, 
And  Joachim  and  Anne,  much  revered, 
As  source  whence  the  Immaculate  drew  life. 
Hard  by  stands  John,  forerunner  of  the  Lord, 
The  first  to  see  Him,  and  first  to  proclaim; 
Nor  far,  who  bore  him  comes,  and  who  begot, 
From  ripe  old  age,  to  blooming  youth  restored; 
Whilst  Simeon,  who  the  infant  Saviour  bless'd, 
Departing  peaceful,  soon  in  peace  t'  arise, 
Concludes  the  congregated  throng,  which  round 
Him  press,  to  deck  his  triumph  to  the  skies. 
Interm'nable  their  lines,  with  heaven's  glad  hosts, 
More  bright,  more  densely  fill'd,  than  milky  way 
With  stars,  celestial  fires,  whose  beams  broadcast, 
The  azure  vault,  unfath'mable,  o'erspread. 


REDEMPTION.  353 

Pleased,  the  sovereign  Pastor  scans  their  files, 
Their  number  sums,  and  orderly  array, 
Their  ready  service  owns,  and  homage  due. 
Nine  choirs  celestial  grace  th'  ascending  scale, 
Ordain'd  to  minister  at  Heav'ns  high  will — 
Angels,  archangels,  virtues,  heav'nly  powers, 
Strong  principalities,  dominions,  thrones, 
Cherubs,  and  seraphs,  various  in  degree; 
And  now  the  tenth,  first  fruits  redemption  won, 
Terrestrial  order,  thence  to  heavenly  raised, 
The  race  of  Adam,  made  those  seats  to  fill, 
Whence  the  proud  dominations  hostile  fell. 
Pleased  he  surveys,  then  turns  his  gracious  eye, 
On  that  small  band,  which  eager  round  him  clung. 
Some  parting  words  serene  to  these  he  speaks, 
With  filial  love  his  tearful  Mother  cheers; 
Her  to  the  one  beloved,  with  care  bequeaths, 
And  in  him  all,  who,  firm  in  faith,  believe; 
Last,  to  the  Twelve,  renew' d  instructions  gives, 
Then  heavenwards  speeds  his  chariot's  flaming  wheels. 
Scarce  had  their  Head  triumphant  ceased  to  speak, 
Scarce  the  last  blessing  from  his  lips  dispensed, 
And  Olivet  his  hallow'd  footsteps  left, 
When  loud  hosannas  from  th'  assembled  hosts, 
From  hosts  augelic,  and  from  saints  redeem' d, 
Shake  heaven's  vast  concave.     Their  immortal  crowns, 
Golden,  with  laurel  twined,  celestial  gemm'd, 
They  fore  him  cast,  wave  their  green  palms,  and  thus 
His  glorious  name  with  praise  melodious  hymn  : 

"Immanuel,  Victor,  hail!"  aloud  they  sing; 
"  Hail !  King  immortal,  ever  to  be  praised, 
Hail !  Source  of  life,  Spring  whence  life's  blessings  flow, 

30 


354  REDEMPTION. 

Thrice  hail !  Redeemer,  Prince,  almighty  God. 

Be  thou  exalted,  Lord,  for  matchless  power; 

Great  in  thy  glory,  in  salvation  bless' d, 

And  merciful  as  just,  in  all  thy  works. 

Thy  saints  extol  thee,  magnify  and  praise, 

Exalt  thy  mercies,  thy  redemption  sing. 

They  ask'd  for  life ;  thou  gav'st  them  length  of  years, 

E'en  everlasting  life,  and  ceaseless  joys ; 

Prevented  them  with  blessings,  crown'd  with  gifts, 

With  fadeless  beauty  deck'd,  immortal  youth. 

Praise  him  ye  angels,  praise  him  heavenly  hosts, 

Praise  him  ye  saints  redeem'd,  praise  in  the  highest; 

Make  way  for  him  ascending  on  the  West, 

Whose  name  is  Jesus,  God  with  us,  Anoint. 

Lift  up  your  gates,  ye  princes,  raise  your  heads; 

Be  open'd  wide,  ye  everlasting  doors, 

And  let  the  King  of  Glory  enter  in. 

Who  is  the  King  of  Glory,  who  ?  The  Lord 

Of  boundless  power  possess'd,  the  King  of  saints, 

Who  earth  to  Eden's  primal  bliss  restores, 

Subdues  th'  Oppressor,  who  its  beauty  marr'd, 

And  saves  who  languish  from  his  lethal  sting. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  princes ;  open  wide 

And  be  ye  lifted  up,  eternal  gates, 

To  let  the  King  of  Glory  enter  in. 

Who  is  the  King  of  Glory,  who  ?  The  King 

Of  angels,  Lord  of  hosts,  the  Wonderful, 

The  mighty  God,  Jehovah's  only  Son. 

He  is  the  King  of  Glory;  he,  who  quell'd 

The  rebel  angels'  raid,  o'ercame  their  hosts,          [dross. 

Their  mightiest  crush'd,  and  purged  the  heav'ns  from 

This  is  the  King  of  Glory,  worthy  praise, 


REDEMPTION.  355 

Who  praise,  dominion,  fealty  receives. 
This  is  the  King  of  Glory,  Lord  of  might, 
He  opes  the  gates  of  heaven  to  his  saints, 
Opes  ne'er  to  close,  till  all  his  saints  arrived, 
Glad  entrance  find,  and  everlasting  peace." 

Thus  they  Messias  hymn'd  with  sweet  accord, 
His  acts  in  choral  symphonies  entoned 
Of  measured  harmony  and  dulcet  notes ; 
Praised  him  with  sound  of  trumpet,  martial  blown, 
Temper'd  with  psaltry,  sambuc,  lute  and  harp, 
And  tinkling  cymbals  join'd  in  choir  replete. 
Strong,  lively,  full,  majestic  rolFd  their  chords, 
Celestial  love  inspired,  harmonious  sounds, 
With  cadence  orotund,  concentous  breath'd ; 
Not  wanting  varied  tones,  in  unison 
Of  rare  composed,  best  suiting  sense  sublime ; 
Such  concord  as  but  heavenly  souls  extill. 
No  feeble  voice  asper'd  reluctant  praise, 
None  mute,  withheld  him  laud,  or  mezzo  drawl' d 
Faint  melody,  with  sotto  voice  depress' d. 
All  heav'n  with  rapture  sang,  with  rapture  praised, 
And  grateful  fragrance  breath'd,  incense  of  love, 
Pleasing  to  Deity  supreme  enthroned ; 
Who,  from  the  midst  of  unapproached  light, 
Empyreal  effluence  serene,  wherein 
From  all  eternity  he  dwelt,  look'd  down, 
And  saw  the  sanctities  of  heaven,  and  saints, 
Cortege  enraptured  of  his  Son ;  saw  Him, 
The  brightness  of  his  glory,  increate, 
Form  of  his  substance,  image  full  express'd, 
Advance.     Heaven's  solid  base  shook  as  he  rode, 
Shook  and  bow'd  down  to  meet  her  coming  Lord; 


356  REDEMPTION. 

Wide  open  spread  her  golden  gates,  instinct 
With  life  innate,  and  spacious  way  prepared. 
Swift  on  the  wings  of  cherubim  he  flew ; 
When,  moved  with  infinite  desire,  nor  time, 
Nor  space  computing,  to  th'  Abyss  of  joy, 
To  his  great  Father,  instant  he  return'd ; 
Who,  thus  saluting,  glad  his  Son  received  : 

"Well  done,  beloved  Son,  now  thrice  return'd, 
From  works  befitting  thine  eternal  power; 
Thrice,  order  from  disorder  foul,  restored, 
With  victory  achieved  o'er  discord  dire. 
Then,  when  the  heav'nly  thrones,  by  envy  moved, 
Envy  of  thee,  my  only  Son  and  Heir, 
Disturbed  the  peace  of  this  our  dear  abode, 
And  third  part  of  th'  aspiring  angels  drew, 
To  base  revolt,  on  their  own  ruin  bent ; 
So,  when  from  chaos'  elemental  strife, 
A  universe  of  worlds  resolved  from  void, 
Shot  light,  by  thee  created,  o'er  the  vast 
And  empty  sea  of  nothingness  entire, 
Thence  from  their  dust,  a  newer  race  evoked, 
To  compensate  the  loss  of  heaven  despoil'd ; 
Now  last  return'd,  more  dear,  from  mortal  strifes, 
With  victory  obtain'd  on  their  behalf, 
Whom  our  grand  foe  perverted,  they  knowing 
Well  th'  interdicted  tree,  sole  test  design'd 
To  prove  man's  will,  and  his  obedience,  free ; 
And  to  his  fate,  who  tempted,  doom'd,  but  that 
Thy  love,  free  interposed,  his  ransom  paid ; 
His  perfect  ransom,  by  thy  proffer'd  death, 
Full  sacrifice,  atonement  ample  found. 
Well  hast  thou  done,  Son  ever  dear;  and  well 


REDEMPTION.  357 

Return'd,  in  human  flesh  enshrined,  sure  pledge 
To  man,  and  argument  to  heaven,  that  he 
True  Advocate  hath  found,  and  sympathy 
Sincere,  with  word  confirm'd,  which  saving  grace 
Vouchsafed,  that  forfeit  seats  should  be  refill' d ; 
More  than  refill'd,  with  other  race  replete, 
And  man,  so  purged  from  sin,  to  righteousness 
Restored,  thus  in  the  flesh  see  God.     Henceforth 
The  triple  crown,  love,  mercy,  justice,  wear; 
Thy  throne  resume ;  as  ever,  sit  and  reign 
At  my  right  hand ;  thence  wait  the  end,  until 
All  enemies  be  put  beneath  thy  feet, 
All  principality,  and  virtue,  power, 
Be  brought  to  naught,  till  all  things  be  subdued, 
All  things  be  subject,  God  be  all  in  all." 

Benignly  thus,  inclining  tow'rds  his  Son, 
The  Father  speaks,  his  sacrifice  accepts, 
And  new  affirms,  that  man  his  grace  should  find. 
To  whom,  with  look  ineffable  of  joy, 
Whilst  roseate  hues  suffused  his  face  divine, 
Our  Advocate  thus,  precative,  return'd : 

"Glad  am  I,  Father,  these  thy  words  to  hear; 
Glad  that  thou  deem'st  my  long  predestined  task 
Well  done.     This  from  thy  goodness  moves,  thy  love, 
Which,  as  all  other  good,  thine  attributes, 
Eternal  as  thyself,  transcendent  shine; 
On  me  reflective  shine,  shine  on  thy  works, 
And  chief  thy  works  of  grace,  supernal  gifts, 
Whereby  essential  life  dispensed,  thy  creatures  share, 
Live,  move,  and  each  his  sev'ral  being  has ; 
Each  perfect  in  itself,  though  naught  compared 
With  thee ;  with  thee  compared,  angels  not  pure, 


358  REDEMPTION. 

The  heav'n  of  heav'ns  not  clean ;  how  much  less  man, 

So  alienate  from  good,  so  far  from  thee ; 

Who  blindly  could  his  evil  hand  uplift, 

That  life  to  take,  which  freely  was  vouchsafed, 

Without  his  act,  a  sacrifice  for  sin. 

This  then,  0  Father,  this  I  earnest  plead, 

Lest  thy  stern  justice,  too  severe  dispensed, 

Should  sorely  fall,  and  mercy's  ward  preclude ; 

Look  not  on  man,  nor  on  his  errant  course, 

But  me  his  Stead,  regard ;  accept  my  face, 

And  what  of  righteousness  he  needs,  impute 

From  me,  who  all  his  guiltiness  assume. 

Judge  not  too  hard  th'  unequal  strife,  still  waged 

Twixt  foes  superior,  and  weak  flesh  and  blood. 

For  this  my  office  pleads;  pleads  not  in  vain, 

Since  thou  hast  not  disdain'd,  thy  Son,  this  badge 

Of  human  flesh,  with  incorporeal  mix'd, 

Should  hypostatic  wear;  hast  not  disdain'd, 

Rather  hast  well  approved  redemption's  plan, 

Wherein  thy  love  pre-eminent  excels, 

Intact  thy  justice  bides.     For  this  more  glad 

Do  I  accept  the  mediatorial  throne, 

Its  crown  assume  and  offices  of  love. 

But  one  request,  (to  thy  omniscience  known,) 

Remains  this  asking,  perfect  work  to  close. 

Thou  know'st,  for  thou  approved'st,  all  the  "means, 

By  which  thy  saints  were  supernatural  led, 

Clear  pointing  to  the  sacrifice  of  blood, 

Complete  sin-off'ring,  ofFer'd  once  for  all. 

Pleased  I  present  the  first  fruits  of  thy  grace, 

Who  through  their  faith,  the  victor's  palm  have  won ; 

Pleased  I  present  them,  well  approved  by  thee, 


REDEMPTION.  359 

Long  time  reserved  for  triumph  of  this  hour. 
But  newer  means,  new  acts  of  grace  demand, 
And  rites  befitting  Gospel's  clearer  day. 
Lame,  lippid,  blind,  by  grov'ling  passions  moved, 
Man's  devious  feet,  must  still  be  led  astray, 
Unless  the  Spirit's  inchoative  fire 
Infuse  the  mass,  dead  nature  vivify, 
And,  ever  present,  quicken  good  desires. 
Him,  I  have  promised ;  they  his  coming  wait, 
And  all  the  gifts  which  from  his  coming  flow. 
Proceeding  from  thee,  Father,  and  thy  Son, 
Equal  with  us,  and  co-eternal,  God, 
Here  let  the  Holy  Ghost  replete  descend, 
Move  o'er  the  turbid  sea  of  human  life, 
As  o'er  the  void,  ere  heaven  and  earth  were  made, 
Illume  its  darkness,  mold  its  shapeless  aims, 
Infuse  new  life,  and  temples  build  to  thee ; 
To  thee,  to  me,  for  our  indwelling  fit, 
In  which,  his  sevenfold  gifts  enshrined, 
Shall  fruits  produce  of  love,  joy,  peace  and  faith, 
Worthy  the  Three,  who  witness  in  the  heav'ns, 
And  equal  aid,  Co-workers,  our  co-heirs. 
So  shall  the  work  begun,  complete  endure, 
Till  more  be  rescued  from  the  wrath  to  come, 
Than  favour'd  Israel  e'er  knew;  so  hell 
Be  balk'd,  Death  ravish' d  of  his  prey,  and  tribes, 
Tongues,  peoples,  age  to  age  unite,  to  praise 
Thee,  Father,  praise  thy  Son,  and  praise  the  Holy  Ghost." 
The  filial  Godhead  thus ;  the  Sire  replies  : 
"  Thy  words,  0  Son,  are  heaven's  eternal  laws ; 
All  worlds  thy  influence  share,  and  chiefly  earth, 
To  which  in  giving  thee,  I  all  resign'd, 


360  REDEMPTION. 

Nor  aught  withhold,  from  influence  of  thy  love ; 

Or  what  imports  the  safety  of  mankind, 

Or  elsewise  that  on  Providence  depends. 

Freely  the  Spirit's  influence  outpour'd, 

Shall  equal  from  us  flow;  Who  wills  as  we, 

To  sanctify,  enliven,  raise,  whom  else, 

No  good  could  reach,  no  death  redeeming  save. 

Him  who  receive,  shall  be  as  these,  who  wait 

Acceptance,  born  of  Israel's  seed,  or  else 

From  diverse  nations  gather'd  in ;  whom  now 

I  welcome,  to  predestined  seats, 

Long  since  prepared,  participants  in  bliss ; 

Welcome  in  thee,  made  worthy  to  be  heirs, 

And  fully  bought,  with  treasure  of  thy  blood. 

Who  Him  receive  not,  greater  ill  shall  find, 

More  weight  of  woe,  worse  ruin  on  their  heads ; 

As  greater  gifts,  and  more  abounding  grace, 

Profuse  accept,  to  higher  glory  raise, 

So,  when  despised,  shall  deeper  sink  in  wrath. 

As  those  proud  hosts,  heav'n's  haughty  powers,  to  such 

Height  raised,  with  beatific  vision  bless'd, 

When  fall'n,  past  rising,  past  repentance  fell; 

So  no  more  those  shall  'scape,  who  now  despite, 

Though  long  so  lenient  judged,  abundant  grace. 

Whilst  heaven,  to  those  receiving,  shall  repay, 

Earth's  sore  fought  conflicts,  with  eternal  joys ; 

To  those  rejecting,  rebel  angel's  doom, 

Eternal  torments,  death,  and  dark  despair, 

When  final  judgement,  each  one's  works  shall  prove." 

So  They,  supremo  in  bliss,  altern  converse, 
And  fill  the  measure  of  their  love  for  man. 
When,  our  Salvation,  bending  from  his  seat, 


REDEMPTION.  361 

Jehovah's  pleasure,  thus,  t'  his  saints  makes  known  : 

"  Welcome,  ye  Blessed,  to  my  Father's  house, 
To  seats,  prepared,  before  the  worlds  were  made ; 
Prepared  for  you,  rest  for  your  wearied  souls, 
Rest,  that  remains  for  all  the  sons  of  God ; 
Whose  works  he  doth  remember,  not  unjust, 
And  love,  which  you  his  saints,  his  name  have  shown, 
Who  died  before  the  promises  were  fill'd ; 
But  seeing  them  afar,  saluted  them, 
As  way-worn  pilgrims,  strangers  in  the  earth, 
Aliens  confess'd,  seeking  a  better  land, 
A  clime  more  blest,  eternal  in  the  skies. 
What  darkly  ye  beheld,  as  through  a  glass, 
By  faith,  through  which  your  witness  was  obtain'd, 
Ye  now  see  eye  to  eye ;  see  types  removed, 
The  Typified  appear,  your  ample  Shield, 
By  whom  ye  enter  now  within  the  veil, 
To  those  blest  realms,  celestial  love's  abode, 
Whose  gates  long  closed,  re-open' d  wide  remain, 
For  your  glad  entrance ;  nor  for  yours  alone, 
But  all  of  Israel,  who  your  footsteps  trace, 
Who  center  their  desires  and  faith  in  me. 
Nor  Israel's  seed  alone ;  but  all  of  earth, 
All  born  of  Adam's  race,  who  me  believe, 
Who,  by  good  works,  their  faith  approve  sincere, 
Shall  ample  entrance  find,  and  spacious  fields, 
T'  expatiate  with  you  in  boundless  joy. 
For,  henceforth,  from  the  rising  of  the  sun, 
E'en  to  the  going  down,  great  shall  my  name 
Among  the  Gentiles  be,  in  every  place 
'  Shall  sacrifice  be  made,  incense  arise, 
And  to  my  name,  a  clean  Oblation  giv'n. 


362  REDEMPTION. 

Long  as  the  sun  shall  shine,  or  moon  endure, 

Throughout  all  generations  of  the  just, 

Shall  justice  bud,  abundant  peace  descend, 

As  rain  descends  upon  the  snowy  fleece, 

Or  gentle  showers  that  fertilize  the  soil ; 

From  sea  to  sea  my  empire  be  display'd, 

My  sway  from  rivers  to  earth's  utmost  bounds. 

Meanwhile  rejoice,  ye  saints,  secure  in  rest, 

Here  pass  your  blissful  hours,  here  hymn  glad  praise," 

And  bathe  your  weary  souls  in  joy's  pure  stream, 

Which  clear  as  crystal,  flows  from  out  the  throne ; 

Feast  on  the  tree  of  life's  perennial  fruits, 

Whose  leaves,  for  healing  of  the  nations,  yield 

Enravishing  delights.     So  wait  the  end, 

Till  time  shall  cease,  till  Israel's  tribes  redeem'd, 

All  God's  true  Israel  be  gather'd  in, 

When  joy,  peace,  truth,  and  love,  henceforth  shall  reign." 

His  words  attending,  they  with  rapture  hear, 
Excelling  rapture,  more  than  heart  conceived, 
Or  tongue  could  utter,  pass'd  expression  bless'd; 
More  than  the  angels  knew,  who  ne'er  had  sinn'd, 
Nor  felt  suspense,  probation's  state  entails. 
They  all  their  toilsome  way  recounted  o'er, 
In  thought  review'd  their  sorrows,  griefs  and  woes, 
Endured  whilst  passing  through  the  vale  of  tears ; 
Anew  their  battles  fought,  their  exile  felt, 
Their  sad  forebodings,  darkness  and  despair. 
But  now  arrived,  adjudged,  and  worthy  found, 
Secure  past  loss,  fore'er  confirm' d  in  bliss, 
Their  woes  enduring,  turn  to  boundless  joys, 
Tears  to  sweet  waters,  ills  to  pure  delights, 
And  griefs,  to  their  fruition's  keenest  zest. 


REDEMPTION. 


363 


Not  such  their  joy,  when  o'er  th'  Egyptian  host, 
Grlad  Miriam  danced,  to  timbrils  tinkling  sound, 
And  Moses  with  his  people  triumph  sang; 
Nor  that,  when  Jordan's  fertile  banks  received 
Securely  their  worn  feet,  their  wand'rings  past ; 
Triumphs,  though  with  exulting  worthy  crown'd, 
But  faint  resemblance,  to  this  victory  won, 
And  entrance  glad  to  their  true  Canaan,  bear, 
Which  now  their  voices  jubilant  employ. 
Thrice  Holy  him  they  sing,  the  God  Triune, 
Whose  name  magnificent,  in  glory  shines, 
And  admirable  reigns,  throughout  all  space. 
Who  lifts  his  people,  from  the  gates  of  death, 
With  mercy  and  with  loving  kindness  crown'd. 
The  Lord  the  just  One,  who  hath  mercy  loved, 
Whose  count'uance  is  with  righteousness  illumed; 
Him  they  now  magnify,  his  name  exalt, 
And  all  his  goodness,  loving  kindness  sing; 
Rehearse  his  conquest,  wrought  o'er  sin  and  death, 
His  righteousness,  and  saving  might  display, 
And  equity  and  truth,  in  Israel's  house. 
Joy  universal,  heart  and  voice  inspires, 
While  trumpets'  shrill,  and  cornets'  piercing  sounds, 
Moduled  by  harps  soft  melody,  unite, 
To  swell  the  chorus,  of  their  Victor's  laud. 
Mid  such  glad  songs,  hosannas  loud  express' d, 
Above,  their  happy  hours,  serene  they  spend; 
Their  golden  censers  wave,  with  incense  fumed, 
Their  crowns  of  gold,  immortal  work,  on  heav'n's 
Transparent  pavement  throw,  and  tow'rds  the  throne, 
Adoring,  prostrate  fall;  tow'rds  either  throne, 
And,  holy,  holy,  holy,  loud  entone, 


364  REDEMPTION. 

Great  is  our  God,  and  worthy  to  be  praised. 

Whilst  blissful  thus,  the  saints  around  the  throne, 
With  joy  past  utt'rance,  their  Deliv'rer  sing, 
The  faithful  few,  on  Olivet  remain, 
In  hope  again  their  risen  Lord  to  see. 
Entranced  they  wait,  till  day's  declining  ray, 
Dimly  evanish' d  from  the  evening  sky, 
And  still  tow'rds  heaven,  direct  their  ardent  gaze, 
As  loath  to  leave  the  spot  his  vision  bless'd. 
Nor  yet,  not  knowing,  did  their  hope  seem  vain ; 
For  sudd'n  th'  archangel  Gabriel,  heav'nly  sent, 
On  radiant  pinions,  fann'd  the  downy  air. 
Bright  as  the  sun,  his  glorious  plumage  shone, 
Or  varying  hues,  that  gild  the  northern  sky, 
When  Sol  on  Taurus  rides,  midst  brilliant  fires. 
The  sacred  Mother  knew  her  guardian's  mien, 
As  now  with  even  wing  he  cuts  the  air, 
And  verges  tow'rds  the  hill  whereon  they  stand. 
Veiling  his  brilliance  neath  the  form  of  man, 
With  snowy  tunic  deck'd,  he  soon  draws  near, 
And  mildly  thus  his  high  commission  serves : 

"  Ye  men  of  Galilee,  why  stand  ye  here, 
With  look  intent,  fix'd  sorrowing  on  the  sky? 
Know  that  the  Son  of  Man,  whose  loss  ye  mourn, 
Whom  ye  this  day,  saw  rising  on  the  West, 
Will,  in  like  manner  as  he  went,  return. 
The  day,  the  hour,  is  in  his  counsels  fix'd; 
No  further  seek;  enough  for  you  to  know, 
That  when  th'  irrevocable  hour  arrives, 
His  angel's  trumpet  shall  with  great  voice  sound, 
And  gather  his  Elect  from  the  four  winds, 
From  farthest  heaven,  and  earth's  remotest  bounds. 


REDEMPTION.  365 

Then  shall  his  Sign,  in  the  mid  sky  appear, 

Himself  on  clouds  descend,  with  mighty  power; 

Him  every  eye  shall  see,  they  who  him  pierced, 

And  all  the  kindreds  of  the  earth  shall  mourn. 

But  fear  ye  not,  his  chosen,  whom  he  leads 

To  joys  celestial,  where  his  presence  beams, 

Where  crystal  streams,  life-giving,  ever  flow, 

And  bliss  eternal,  at  his  right  hand  reigns. 

Though  Death's  dark  valley,  and  sharp  pangs,  may  fright, 

Secure  abide,  possess  your  souls  in  peace; 

For  these  no  terrors  to  his  people  have, 

Who  Death  hath  conquer'd,  and  his  sting  withdrawn. 

Hence  to  Jerusalem,  as  he  hath  bid, 

Return;  there  wait  the  Comforter's  descent, 

Who,  comforting,  will  come,  all  things  dispose, 

And  fill  your  troubled  minds  with  joy  and  peace. 

Meanwhile,  your  sure  Salvation  ever  reigns, 

At  God's  right  hand  exalted  sits,  and  pleads 

For  reconciliation,  God  with  man. 

And  thou,  Bless'd  Virgin,  Mother  of  the  Lord, 

This  final  word  receive  from  thy  loved  Son, 

Whose  Heart  yearns  tow'rds  thee  not  less  now,  than  when 

His  infant  smile  replied  to  thy  caress, 

Or  manhood's  brow  grew  brighter  from  thy  love. 

He  leaves  thee  yet  awhile  with  these  thy  sons, 

To  soothe  and  nurture  them  to  full  grown  strength ; 

Too  sadly  would  their  faithful  hearts  be  pained, 

Of  thee  and  him  at  once  to  be  bereaved. 

They  thee  revere  as  Mother  of  the  fold, 

For  whose  salvation,  his  own  life  atoned; 

And  much  may  need,  since  Him  they  cannot  see, 

To  have  thee  near  them,  who  his  likeness  bear. 

31 


366  REDEMPTION. 

Peaceful  the  intervening  hours  abide, 
Till  that  blest  moment  dawn,  by  him  decreed, 
When  angel  bands  shall  waft  thee,  as  he  said, 
On  couch  of  roses  to  thy  heav'nly  throne." 

These  words,  consoling,  cheer  their  sadden'd  hearts, 
Infuse  new  joy,  revive  their  waning  hopes, 
Fill  the  Bless'd  Mother  with  supreme  delight, 
And  patient  waiting  her  Son's  destined  time. 
Their  Lord  had  left  them,  yet,  mysterious  plan, 
His  beaming  presence,  still  with  them  remains; 
His  spirit  warms  them,  vivifies  their  souls, 
And  fires  their  love,  with  infinite  desire. 
As  when  the  sun,  conceal' d  behind  some  clouds, 
The  plains  o'ercasts,  then  drooping  Nature  fades, 
Perchance  some  watery  drops  in  grief  lets  fall, 
And  trails  her  floral  honors  on  the  ground; 
His  beams  restored,  her  vernal  beauties  rise, 
Her  foliage  shines,  her  flow'rs  fresh  odors  breathe, 
And  all  her  verdure  glows  with  sparkling  dew. 
So  these,  late  sad,  their  cheeks  bedew'd  with  tears, 
And  mournful  sighing,  of  their  Love  bereft, 
Now  rise  elastic,  fill'd  with  faith  and  hope, 
And  firm  reliance  on  the  seraph's  words : 
Thence  go  their  way,  by  angel  guardians  led, 
Joy  in  their  step,  love's  rapture  in  their  eye,    [tongues— 
Whilst  heaven's  grand  theme,  transporting,  tunes  their 
The  nations  saved,  man's  happiness  assured, 
Redemption  won,  and  Paradise  restored. 

THE  END. 


